Austin College Splits with Ozarks

SHERMAN, Texas — The Austin College baseball team split a Saturday doubleheader against the University of the Ozarks at Baker Field, dominating the first game 16-3 in seven innings before falling 9-7 in a hard-fought, back-and-forth nightcap. With the split, the 'Roos move to 5-5 on the season and 5-4 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play, while the Eagles shift to 7-7 overall and 1-5 in the SCAC.

The 'Roo offense exploded in the first game of the day, racking up 16 runs on 14 hits to secure a run-rule victory. Blake Skipworth went the distance for the 'Roos, tossing a complete-game seven innings. He allowed just three runs - two earned - on five hits while striking out seven and walking only one.

Carlos Michinaux and Keaton Bradshaw led the offensive onslaught, driving in four runs apiece. Michinaux went 2-for-4 with two doubles, and Bradshaw was 3-for-5 with a double. Kaden Stegent opened the scoring for the 'Roos with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the first. Desmond Squalls had a nearly perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI.

Austin College took the lead for good in a six-run third inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Jorge Villalobos, who also stole two bases and executed a double steal of home in the frame. Michael White provided the primary highlight for the Eagles, hitting a two-run double in the top of the second inning.

The second game featured three lead changes and late-inning drama, but a three-run ninth inning propelled the Eagles to a 9-7 victory. Trailing 5-2 entering the bottom of the fifth, the 'Roos erupted for five runs to take a 7-5 lead. Adan Escalante sparked the rally with a solo home run to left field, and Bradshaw cleared the bases with a clutch three-run triple later in the inning. Ozarks pushed a run across in the seventh to cut the deficit to 7-6, setting the stage for the ninth. Connor Reed delivered the decisive blow for the Eagles with a two-run single to left-center, followed by an RBI single from Jacob Knox to cap the scoring.

For the 'Roos, Bradshaw finished 1-for-4 with his three-RBI triple. Villalobos scored twice and wreaked havoc on the basepaths with three stolen bases. For Ozarks, Reed went 2-for-5 with three RBIs, while Knox collected three hits in five at-bats with two RBIs. Jeter Fulbright earned the win in relief for the Eagles, throwing 4.0 scoreless innings of one-hit ball to silence the 'Roos' bats down the stretch. Adam McNew took the loss in relief for Austin College.