TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State baseball surrendered eight runs in the final two innings to lose 14-13 at Northeastern State University on Wednesday. After hitting their way to a seven-run 7
th inning, the Rangers' batters built up a sizable cushion before the back end of the bullpen struggled to contain the RiverHawks.
The Rangers bats did their part on a windy day in Northeastern Oklahoma, collecting 19 hits (most since 2015) as seven of their nine starters chipped in with a multi-hit performance. After scoring in each of the first four frames, most of the damage came in the 7
th before NSU clawed their way back.
Head coach
Ryan Bowen was pleased with the offensive effort at the plate. "We had a great day offensively" said Bowen. "It's really exciting for our offense to have that kind of day as we prepare to start conference play."
Senior
Jorin Van Amstel had a fantastic afternoon at the dish, going 4-for-6 with a home run and four RBI's while
Daschal Johnson (3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB) and
Johnnuelle Ponce (3-for-5, R, RBI) each had themselves a three-hit afternoon.
After freshman starter
Trevor Stone departed with one out in the 3
rd,
Nick Llorente and
Cole Jackson blanked NSU in the 4
th and 5
th innings to maintain a 5-2 Northwestern advantage. But the RiverHawks would work the Ranger bullpen for 11 earned runs over the next 3
1/3rd innings to take the walk-off win in their 2018 home opener.
Despite the setback, Northwestern's coaching staff is confident in their guys' ability to compete at a high level.
"Some of our guys had good outings" Bowen said. "It wasn't an easy day to pitch, but several of our guys battled and had a good day on the mound."
Pitching coach
Aaron Gilbreath shared similar thoughts on Wednesday's tough loss.
"We got away from what we have been great at and it's going to be important to flush it, learn from it, and move on heading into this weekend."
Up Next
The Rangers will regroup when they return home to Myers Stadium where they will now host Harding University in the Great American Conference opener this weekend. Originally planned for a road series in Searcy, Arkansas, wet weather led officials to move the series to Alva where the Rangers will play the Bisons in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 followed by a single 9-inning game at noon on Sunday, Feb. 18.
The Bisons (4-3, 0-0 GAC) are coming off a doubleheader sweep of Williams Baptist College that saw them post 33 runs in just 12 innings at the plate.
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