Clarksville, Ark.-Freddy Prince and Dean Igert each drove in two runs to propel the Eagles to a 8-5 game two victory and earn a split Thursday over nationally-ranked Texas-Tyler.
Ozarks (13-15, 2-6 ASC) dropped game one 8-2 after Texas-Tyler, ranked No. 9 in NCAA III, scored six runs in the eighth.
In game two, the Patriots (22-7, 8-3 ASC) moved ahead 1-0 in the fourth, but Ozarks exploded for seven runs in the bottom half of the frame to earn a 7-1 advantage. The Eagles pounded out six hits, and Texas-Tyler committed two errors in the inning. Tony Morales singled to left field to ignite the big inning. Taylor Parker then singled through the right side and John Singler reached on an error to load the bases. Zac Mitchell promptly singled to right field to even the score at 1-1. Igert followed with a double to right centerfield, bringing in a pair of runs. The hits kept coming as Prince singled in another run. Mitchell Powers then walked, giving Nick Brill an RBI opportunity. Brill answered with a clean single to right centerfield.
Prince would later double in a run in the sixth to give Ozarks a 8-4 advantage. The Patriots forced Ozarks into a save opportunity as Brill had to come in and record the final out of the game.
Starting pitcher Jeffrey Works (1-3) was effective in his five and two-third innings as the starter. Works struck out three and received the win.
Prince finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run. Igert went 1-for-2 with two RBI and a run. Mitchell posted a 2-for-3 effort.
In game two, Tyler Erickson and Chance Cotton got into a pitcher’s duel before Texas-Tyler scored a momentum-changing six runs in the final inning.
Trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Ozarks responded with the runs it needed to send the contest into the eighth. However, the Patriots posted six hits and chased Erickson from the game in the eighth.
Parker had an RBI single and Igert would eventually score on an error in the sixth.
Erickson (4-2) received the loss.
Ozarks will conclude its series with Texas-Tyler tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. The game can be heard at www.kxio.nu.
Topics: Athletics