Clarksville, Ark.-Ozarks needed five runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and it did just that and then pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the eleventh on a hit by pitch to complete a wild comeback against Hendrix College Tuesday.
Ozarks (5-5) trailed 11-6 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but the Eagles generated five runs by displaying patience at the plate to send the game into extra innings. Ozarks drew four walks in addition to collecting two hits and receiving a hit by pitch in the frame. Freddy Prince led off the ninth with an infield single and Nick Brill then took one in the back to put a pair of runners on board. Ian Bryan drew a walk to load the bases and freshman John Singler drew another walk to receive an RBI. Tyler Hydrick delivered a clutch double to score two runs and bring the Eagles to within 11-9. With one out, Hendrix (7-6) intentionally walked Mitchell Powers to load the bases again, but the move didn’t work as Tony Morales drew yet another free base to bring in one more run. Finally, freshman Peyton Johnigan hit a sacrifice fly to score the game-tying run.
Hendrix walked three more batters in the bottom of the eleventh to allow Ozarks to complete its rally. In the eleventh, Hydrick walked and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Driedric. Powers was intentionally walked, but the move backfired again as both Hydrick and Powers advanced a base on a wild pitch. With a 3-2 count, Morales was intentionally walked to load the bases. Johnigan was hit by a pitch to score the game-winning run.
Hendrix jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Ozarks scored two in the fourth to even to game. The Warriors moved ahead 7-3 in the top of the fifth, but the Eagles answered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning. Hendrix later scored two runs in the eighth and one run in the ninth to build a 11-6 advantage.
Ozarks recorded 13 hits off eight Hendrix pitchers and Powers (1-0) provided the Eagles with a lift on the mound with three strong innings in relief to receive the win.
Hydrick finished 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs. Prince was 3-for-6 with an RBI.
Ozarks will head to Belton, Texas, to face Mary Hardin-Baylor for a three-game series March 2-3.
Topics: Athletics