SHAWNEE – In one of the best games played at Bobby Cox Field in recent memory, Northwestern Oklahoma State (12-5, 4-3 GAC) edged Oklahoma Baptist (10-6, 3-4 GAC) 5-3 on Friday.
It was the Bison's first loss at home in nine contests this season.
Key Leaders
What Went Right
- Defense. Will Joseph had an incredible 8-5 putout in the fifth while Lissade threw out pinch runner Porter Pittman in the eighth. Plus, Dickinson helped turn a 5-4-3 double-play in the eighth as well. By game's end, OBU committed no errors for the sixth time in 16 games.
- Rallying. The Bison trailed 2-0 before coming back in third and fourth. Schroeder helped deliver OBU's first run with an RBI single in the third. That scored Lissade. Then in the fourth, Shafer's ground ball to second was misplayed and allowed Rafael Gutierrez to score. The hosts then took the lead on a Dickinson sacrifice fly to center.
What Went Wrong
- In a game as close as this, the difference of the game was just a few plays. In the bottom of the first, Joseph singled through the right side, however, Lissade was thrown out at home, 9-2, which kept the score 1-0 Northwestern.
- Then in the fifth, with OBU leading 3-2 with two out, a popped-up ball by Rangers second baseman Hagen Barcello looked like it would be retrieved by shortstop Jacob Campbell. Left fielder Jaden Wiley then called him off and the attempt to make the catch went behind OBU's outfielder and landed fair. That provided the tying run from Carson Wright.
- In the sixth, Colby Grace started the frame with a single before Chad Green doubled for the go-ahead run.
- Maybe the most staggering stat of the night: OBU's five through nine hitters went a combined 3-for-19 (.157) at the plate.
On The Horizon
- On Saturday at 1 p.m., the two teams will meet for a GAC doubleheader.
