Clarksville, Ark.-Three University of the Ozarks pitchers combined for the school's first modern-day no-hitter in a 1-0 win over Mid-America Christian University on Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
Chase Hale (1-0) pitched five solid innings in his first outing of the season to pick up the win. Hale struck out five and allowed three walks. Tyler Gideon threw a hitless sixth and Kyle Hudson sealed the deal in the seventh striking out two for his first save of the season. Justin Brown and Brian Heckmann did the their part in keeping the no-hitter in tact with outstanding defensive plays. In the fifth inning, MACU’s Jake Johnson hit a shot to center field which sent Brown crashing into the wall. Brown was able to hold on despite being knocked to the ground. Shortstop Heckmann stole what appeared to be a sure hit in the fourth as he made a diving stop behind second base and threw the runner out from his knees. The lone run of the game came in the third when Caleb Hilton hit his first home run of the season over the left field wall. The run proved to be enough despite Ozarks only picking up two more hits in the game. The second game of the double-header did not turn out as bright for Ozarks as they were two hit and shutout 2-0 by MACU’s pitching. Heckmann (0-1) picked up the loss in relief. He allowed one earned run. The Eagles move to 1-2 on the year. Ozarks travels to Memphis, Tennessee, Saturday for a non-conference contest against fellow Division III opponent Rhodes College. The double-header starts at 11:00 a.m. Article written by Chad Harris.
Topics: Athletics