Chickasha, Okla. – The Mid-America Christian University Evangels saw their season come to an end with a 10-2loss to the No. 16-ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers and then 9-6 at the hands of the Southwestern Christian University Eagles today (May 7) in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament at Bill Smith Ballpark in Chickasha, Okla.
The Evangels began the day against the second-seeded Drovers and just like yesterday in the opener against SCU, found themselves trailing 3-0 after one inning.
Also like yesterday, the Evangels fought back as Reggie Lindsey hit a two-run in the bottom of the second to make it a one-run game.
But that would be all the Evangels could muster against USAO starter Alsis Herrera, who struck out 12 in his eight innings on the mound.
The Drovers then added to the lead with runs in the fourth and seventh frames before a bases-clearing double by Dillon White keyed a five-run eighth inning that put it away.
Junior Obeso started for the Evangels and was solid until running into trouble in the eighth. Obeso lasted 7 1/3 innings and struck out six with seven earned runs allowed.
Ryan Moseley and Cale Backward each had two hits for the Evangels, while Yariel Gonzalez went three-of-four for the Drovers (43-11).
The loss to USAO setup a rematch in an elimination game against SCU.
It was again the Eagles that jumped out on top with two runs in the bottom of the first before the Evangels answered when Lindsey singled home Riley Branum.
The Eagles though kept finding ways to respond, scoring in each of the first six innings to build up a 9-3 lead.
MACU wouldn't let their season end quietly though, as Brandon Bordonaro, playing in his final game, homered to lead off the eighth and Lindsey eventually scored on a wild pitch to make it a four-run deficit.
In the ninth inning, Colt Pickens hit a one-out solo home run, but that's as close as the Evangels could come as Bordonaro drew a two-out walk but was stranded at first.
Zach Carley got the start for the Evangels (20-32) and allowed four earned runs with one strikeout in 2 2/3 innings.
To finish off the game, Chevin Noone tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings with a strikeout, while Wyatt Glasgow came on and pitched a scoreless ninth frame.
Moseley again had two hits for MACU and Noone was two-of-four. Jerry McNew also hit his team-high 12th home run of the season to lead off the sixth inning. The 12 homers for McNew are the most for the Evangels since 2011 and are tied for the second most since joining the NAIA.
Pickens also ended the season with a team-best .371 batting average, the highest since the 2012 season.
Jason Braziel got the win for the Eagles (41-11) by giving up four runs and striking out nine over seven innings. Andrew Walker went three-of-five at the plate for SCU and A.J. Leingang drove in two runs.
The Eagles now move on to play USAO tomorrow at 2 p.m. and will need to beat the Drovers twice to earn a spot in the SAC title game Monday afternoon (May 9).
MACU, under first-year head coach Adrian Savedra, lose only two seniors heading into next season.
