NCAA & GAC statistical rankings had not yet been updated at the time of this writing
SHAWNEE – Following a three-game sweep of East Central this past weekend, Oklahoma Baptist (14-6) has a quick turnaround, playing at Northeastern State on Tuesday, March 11 at 5 p.m.
In 12 all-time Division II matchups, the Bison hold an 8-4 lead against the RiverHawks, including winning four of the last five. OBU has scored at least seven runs in that recent time frame, too.
Here's a look at both teams heading into the mid-week contest.
Bison Notes
- OBU improved to 14-6 overall and 8-4 in the GAC after its sweep of East Central.
- The Bison offense was outstanding. They hit .422, scored 34 runs and drove in 30.
- Plus, the team had a collective slugging percentage of .644 and on-base percentage of .531.
- Coach Chris Cox's squad also delivered in clutch situations. With a runner on third and two out, OBU went 14-of-21 in those situations, a .667 average.
- Individually, four players hit at least .500: Braden Smith, Spencer Dickinson, Lucas Schaefer and DJ Van Atten.
- For Van Atten, he was incredible hitting .750 with six hits, two doubles and a homer. The upperclassman also posted a 1.375 slugging mark and .800 on-base percentage.
- Furthermore, Keenan Morris drove in a team-high six runs and added an .857 slugging percentage.
- On the mound, the Bison staff was very good. Over 24.0 innings, OBU attained an ERA of 3.00 and limited ECU to a .250 batting average.
- Plus, the staff attained 32 strikeouts and committed just one wild pitch with one hit batter.
- Individually, there were several standout performers versus ECU. In relief, William Ellis and Javarian Roquemore combined to toss 4.2 frames and strike out 10 and not allow a run.
- David Stuart got the opening-night appearance and in six frames, gave up one earned run, fanned six and limited the Tigers to a .227 average.
- Furthermore, Ryan Turbeville earned the game-two victory by tossing 5.0 innings, striking out eight and allowing two earned runs.
- Lastly, Logan Kimbro made two appearances with his last one, in the top of the seventh in the finale, his most crucial save yet. ECU had bases loaded trailing 10-8. The senior lefty got a strikeout to end the game and earn save number three of the year.
RiverHawks Notes
- NSU won a MIAA series over the weekend against Missouri Western to move its record to 8-9. Of note, the RiverHawks are 2-4 at home this year at Rousey Field.
- NSU has not yet had a mid-week game yet due to weather.
- Sophomore Austin Rees has led NSU offensively so far. In 14 games played, he's got a team-high .357 average on 15 hits.
- Five different players have notched multiple homers for Northeastern State. Korben Ford, Diego Murillo and Tanner Almond all have two while Gage Williams and Holden Yoder have smacked three bombs apiece.
- Williams and Murillo also lead with 14 RBI for the RiverHawks.
- On the mound, NSU has posted a staff ERA of 6.61. That's slotted eighth out of 13 MIAA teams.
- Plus, the RiverHawks have given up the fourth-most homers (24) in that conference and tallied the third-most wild pitches (22) and hit batters (37).
- Individually, Northeastern State's primary starting pitchers are Braxton Jones, Gus Collins and Murphy Bostick.
- They each have five starts this year while Jones has a staff-best 39 strikeouts.
- In relief, and potential hurlers for Tuesday, Isac Sizemore, Trey Havens, Drake Sisemore and Holden Yaksick have tossed at least 10.0 frames for NSU.
