Chickasha, Okla. -- The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers scored four runs in the eighth inning to spoil a solid outing from Ryan Rathbun and defeat the Mid-America Christian University Evangels 5-2 in the opener of a three-game series Friday afternoon (Apr. 6) in Chickasha, Okla. 

The Evangels scored twice in the top of the eighth on RBI singles by Austin Hilterbran and Luis Martinez to take a 2-1 lead as Rathbun pitched into the eighth inning, allowing only an unearned run through seven. 

But a lead-off double by Jared Coon and a one-out homer from Zach Gonzalez put the Drovers on top 3-2 and chased Rathbun. 

Two errors and a balk led to two more tallies as the Drovers built a three-run cushion and hung on for the win.

Rathbun pitched 7 1/3 innings total, giving up only two earned runs and striking out seven. 

Martinez and Jon Jon Lemos each had two hits for the Evangels (5-27, 2-17 SAC).

David Garcia also lasted 7 1/3 innings for the Drovers (20-16, 11-10 SAC) and struck out seven, but didn't factor into the decision.  Josh Goodman got the final four outs with two strikeouts to get the win. 

The Evangels and Drovers will conclude the series with a doubleheader tomorrow afternoon (Apr. 7) beginning at 1 p.m. at James Curtis Field on the MACU campus.