BETHANY, Okla. - The Rogers State baseball team earned a pair of wins and completed a three-game sweep over Southern Nazarene on Monday evening at Cypert Athletic Complex.
The Hillcats took an early lead in the opener and pitcher Brandon Bargas tossed a complete-game shutout as RSU tallied a 4-0 victory. In the nightcap, the Cats outhit the Crimson Storm 9-2 but had to stage a come-from-behind victory, winning 3-2.
GAME ONE
Junior Eric Baker got things started in the top of the first frame with a leadoff single through the left side. Colton Campbell walked and Lance Rymel followed with a one out single to center field which allowed Baker to score. With two outs, Randy Ramirez belted a two RBI single to right-center field, giving RSU a 3-0 lead.
The Hillcats managed just three hits over the next four innings but were able to secure an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Colton Campbell singled and Rymel was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Cody Campbell flied out to advance the runners while Randy Ramirez followed with a RBI single to give RSU a 4-0 lead.
SNU designated hitter John Basnight led off the bottom of the seventh with a double but RSU retired the next three batters to earn the win.
Bargas (5-2) went the distance on the mound with nine strikeouts, four hits and just one walk.
Tim Cole (0-6) tossed 6.1 innings and allowed four runs, three earned, on seven hits with three strikeouts.
Baker led the Cats as he went 3-4 from the plate with one run scored. Ramirez tallied two hits and two RBI and Rymel added two hits and one RBI.
GAME TWO
RSU took the early lead once again in the nightcap with a RBI single by Colton Campbell in the top of the first.
After a pair of scoreless innings, RSU doubled its lead in the fourth with a two-out RBI single by Keith Poverud. SNU answered in the bottom of the fifth as Riley Morrow got things started with a one-out single to break up the no-hitter. With two outs, Ryan Williams belted an RBI double and Nate Saquilon followed with a RBI single to tie the game.
The Hillcats regained the lead in the next inning with some help from the SNU defense. The Storm recorded two quick outs before allowing Poverud to reach on an error. Bargas followed with a walk and Baker was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Rivera singled up the middle to give RSU the lead.
Eric Faust closed out the contest and faced the minimum in the final two innings to earn the save. Kyle Duncan (5-1) allowed three hits and two runs over five innings of work with two strikeouts.
Rogers State (35-12, 17-12) returns to action on Tuesday as the Cats face Oklahoma Wesleyan at Hillcat Complex with first pitch at 7 p.m.
