Clarksville, Ark.-Two big offensive innings by the University of Ozarks helped them open their 2008 season with a 15-7 win over Hendrix College on a chilly Wednesday afternoon at Lonnie R. Qualls Field.
Ozarks (1-0, 0-0) used a seven run third inning to take a 9-2 lead and a six run sixth to hold a 15-3 advantage. The Eagles had just two hits in the third, but both did damage to the Warrior pitching staff. Robert Mummey hit an opposite field two-run homer and Robby Finnell had a three-run double to give Ozarks a comfortable seven run advantage. After two scoreless innings by Ozarks offense, the Eagles’ bats came alive in the sixth when they scored six runs on five hits. Mummey did more damage at the plate when he doubled in Finnell. Jeremy Hogan, Hank Rogers, John Glenn, David Smith and Bruce Cameron all had RBI in the inning.
The non-conference affair stayed tight for the first two innings before Ozarks’ big offensive output in the third. Hendrix (0-4, 0-0) led 1-0 to open the game, but Smith quickly made it 1-1 after hitting his second career home run. Ozarks took a 2-1 lead in the second, but the Warriors tied it in their next at bat.
Eight pitchers saw action for Ozarks, with DJ Braswell receiving the start. Brett Wood (1-0) received the win after throwing two scoreless innings.
Finnell finished a perfect 3-for-3 with 3 RBI. He had a pair of doubles and scored twice. Mummey went 2-for-5 with 3 RBI. Smith went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and two runs. Glenn had a pair of hits and one RBI.
Ozarks will travel to Jackson, Miss., for a three-game tournament this weekend. They will take on Rhodes College on Friday, Millsaps College on Saturday and La Grange College on Sunday.
Topics: Athletics