Baseball Sweeps Friday Doubleheader Against Tigers

SHAWNEE – After numerous delays and cancellations, the Oklahoma Baptist baseball team was able to resume its 2021 campaign against Ouachita Baptist on Friday, Feb. 26. The Bison offense found its stride in game one of the doubleheader, beating the Tigers by a score of 13-8. In game two, the offense cooled a bit only posting two runs, but it was enough to earn the Friday sweep and series win.
 
In game one, the Bison wasted no time posting four runs in the first inning. Kevin Saenz led the way in the first, posting a two-run home run on his first swing of the bat.
 
The Tigers were able to answer the Bison in the bottom of the first inning, responding with a run of their own to cut the lead to 4-1.
 
OBU however, did not let that sit, pushing four more runs across the third, fourth, and fifth innings. Ouachita made the game interesting, posting four runs in the bottom of the sixth to cut the Bison lead to three. But OBU didn't flinch and answered the Tigers with five more runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
 
The visitors from Arkadelphia tried to mount a late rally in the bottom of the eighth when Jud Arrington posted a three-run home run. The Bison defense was able weather the home run and stood firm, denying the Tigers any more chances.
 
In game number two, the Bison offense cooled off a bit, only posting two runs. OBU pitching however, locked down the Tigers and only allowed one run from their opponent in the bottom of the seventh.
 
Hector Ruvalcaba led the Bison offense on Friday with three total runs, six RBIs, and five hits over the course of the two games. Other top performers for the Bison included Ramon Enriquez (three runs and three RBIs), Sanez (one run and three RBIs), and Colin Prince (three runs and one hit).
 
Pitchers Jake Lipetzky and Bo Dallas each earned their first wins of the season. Lipetzky pitched 5.2 innings in game one, striking out nine of the 25 batters he faced. Bo Dallas pitched 4.1 shutout innings in game two and striking out four.
 
OBU will look to sweep the Tigers on Saturday, Feb. 27, with first pitch of game three coming at 11 a.m.