April 1, 2010

4.1.10 - Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Mid-America Christian University baseball team was unable to hold on to their lead over Northwestern Oklahoma State University, falling 3-2 in the ninth inning at Evangel Field on Thursday afternoon.

The Rangers dented the scoreboard first, plating one run in the top of the third. With two outs, Vincent Valdez hit an RBI double to bring Tom Huddleston, who singled earlier in the inning, across home plate.

The Evangels tied the score in the fourth. Pete Feurtado led off the inning, reaching base after being hit by a pitch. James Frederick followed with a walk to put runners on first and second. Dan Heskin hit a sacrifice bunt down the first base line to put both runners in scoring position. An RBI single by catcher Tim Mahler brought Feurtado across home plate making it a 1-1 game.

MACU took a 2-1 lead in the fifth with a two-out single by Frederick, plating Matt Allen who reached on a walk.

The Rangers rallied in the top of the ninth with a single by Wade Schwerdtfeger, sending pinch runners Clint Dodds and Quinton Haynes home.

Thomas Peabody is tagged with the loss, pitching a complete game. The senior gave up three runs on eight hits with three strikeouts. Danny Santiago gets the win on the mound for the Rangers, pitching a complete game. He gave up two runs on seven hits with 13 strikeouts.

Tim Mahler led the Evangels at the plate going 3-4 on the day with an RBI.

The loss drops the Evangels to 14-15 on the season with a 6-9 Sooner Athletic Conference record. The Rangers improve to 17-12 overall and 4-9 in the SAC.

The teams will conclude the series with a doubleheader at NWOSU on Saturday, April 3rd at 1p.m.