Bison Come Up Just Short in Duel With Griffons

SHAWNEE – The Oklahoma Baptist baseball team fell just a little short in an opening day matchup with Missouri Western. The Bison came out of the gate strong, taking an early 1-0 lead, but in what became a duel of star pitchers, the Bison came up just short falling, 5-3.
 
Starting pitchers Jake Lipetzky and Roy Robles combined for 26 strikeouts on the night. In relief, Bison freshman Brek Galbreath delivered a strong debut striking out five of the 10 batters he faced. Kaimana Bartolome led the Bison offense scoring a run, posting two hits, and batting in two runners. Ramon Gomez and Ramon Enriquez also got on the scoreboard with both scoring a run and a hit.
 
The Bison took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Bartolome hit an RBI single, allowing Gomez to score. The Griffons answered back in the top of the third when designated hitter Andrew Meier hit a three-run home run to take a 3-1 lead. Midwestern State added to its lead when Reid Briney put up a solo home run in the top of the fourth.
 
OBU was able to find a spark and posted a two-run rally in the bottom of the eighth. Enriquez led the charge by putting up a double. Bartolome followed with a double of his own which allowed Enriquez to score. Cade Kissel then singled in Bartolome. Unfortunately for the Bison they were unable to complete the rally, ultimately falling by two after the Griffons added an insurance run in the top of the ninth.
 
The Bison return to action Saturday, Feb. 1, as they continue the series against the Griffons with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
 
For complete coverage of the Bison baseball program follow the team's official Twitter account (@OBU_Baseball).