SHAWNEE -- The Oklahoma Baptist Bison erupted for 18 runs on 15 hits to defeat Southeastern Oklahoma State 18-7 on Friday at Bobby Cox Field. Despite an early offensive surge from the Savage Storm, the Bison's bats proved too powerful, sealing a decisive win.
Oklahoma Baptist wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard, plating three runs in the first on a bases-clearing double by
Zane Bennett. Southeastern answered in the second, with homers from Wesley Mitchell and Alex Showalter contributing to a three-run frame that tied the game.
The back-and-forth battle continued into the third, as Chase Keeton launched a solo home run for Southeastern, briefly giving them a 4-3 lead. However, OBU responded with a five-run inning, punctuated by
Braden Smith's three-run bomb, shifting the momentum permanently.
SE attempted to stay in the game with a three-run fourth, including a two-run homer by Payotn Poole and Showalter's second long ball of the night. But the Bison kept the pressure on, adding two more in the bottom of the inning and never looking back.
DJ Van Atten highlighted Oklahoma Baptist's offensive onslaught, blasting two homers and driving in four. Smith also homered twice, finishing with five RBI. Bennett had a standout performance as well, collecting three hits and driving in five.
On the mound,
David Stuart (5-3) earned the win, tossing 6.1 innings while allowing seven runs on six hits.
Jalen Johnston closed out the final 1.2 innings in relief without allowing a hit. Southeastern's pitching struggled, with starter Danile Collins (1-4) taking the loss after surrendering 10 runs (seven earned) in just 3.1 innings.
The win improves Oklahoma Baptist to 19-11 overall. Tomorrow, the two teams will meet for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
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