Lakewood, Colo. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State baseball team defeated Colorado Christian, 11-5, behind a nine-run rally in the seventh and eighth innings to win the season opener.
The Rangers and Cougars both started the game by leaving a runner on base in the first inning, but the Cougars struck first to take a 1-0 lead into the third inning. The Ranger offense came to life by staying patient, as
Alex Dabrowski and
Chase Gordon drew a pair of walks to get Dabrowski in scoring position, while
Amari Goodfellow ripped a single into left center field to tie the game at 1-1 in the third inning.
Colorado Christian retook the lead in the bottom of the third to go up 2-1, but the Rangers responded again with Gordon singling to center field to send
Cole Barton home from second base to tie the game again at 2-2 in the fifth. The Cougars jumped in front, 5-2, in the bottom of the sixth off four hits, but the Rangers had another answer.
Barton started the seventh inning with a single through the left side, followed up by Dabrowski getting hit by a pitch. After Gordon flew out and Dabrowski stole second,
Amari Goodfellow singled to right field, bringing Barton back home once again. Dabrowski was able to score while Goodfellow got caught trying to steal second.
The Ranger rally continued in the eighth inning, as a combination of two walks, a hit by pitch, and a bunt single tied the game at 5-5. The Northwestern bats stayed hot, while their eyes stayed patient, as Gordon gave the Rangers the lead on an RBI walk, leading to
Amari Goodfellow crushing a ball to center field to put Northwestern up 10-5. The Rangers tacked on one more run when
Jailon Goodfellow hit a sacrifice fly to center to bring another runner home and give Northwestern an 11-5 victory to start the season.
Amari Goodfellow led the Rangers offensively with four hits in five at bats and six RBI, with Barton not far behind with three hits in five at bats. Dabrowski led the way on the base paths with three stolen bases.
Elias Herrera got the first win on the season with four strikeouts and only one run given up in 3.2 innings of work.
The Rangers will stay in Lakewood for a doubleheader against Colorado Christian tomorrow at noon and 3 p.m.
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