CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State baseball (2-1) split with the UMary (1-2) during a Saturday doubleheader at RCB Bank Sports Complex. The Hillcats started strong with an 8-0 victory in the first game but faced a tough defeat in the second, falling 5-1 in 15 innings.
GAME ONE: RSU 8, UMARY 0
Rogers St. secured an 8-0 victory over the Marauders, tallying nine hits and showcasing a dominant offensive performance. The Hillcats took an early lead in the first inning when
Tyler Nelson singled to right center, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by
Andres Contreras for a 1-0 advantage. In the third inning, Nelson's aggressive baserunning paid off again as he reached on a bunt single, advanced on a hit by
Sammy Harris, and later scored, increasing the lead to 2-0.
The fourth inning saw RSU explode offensively, beginning with Contreras getting hit by a pitch and advancing on a sacrifice bunt.
Nathan Gutierrez then singled to right, setting up
Trevor Spainhoward's RBI single.
Luis Fuentes followed with a two-RBI double to left center, pushing the lead to 5-0. In the sixth, the Cats added three more runs, as Spainhoward and
Kade Goeke reached base, allowing Harris and
Andrew Ramirez to drive in runs, expanding the lead to 8-0.
Dillon Dibrell (1-0) delivered a commanding performance on the mound, pitching five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight.
Ricardo Landeros came in to preserve the shutout, pitching two innings with one hit and one strikeout. Together, they combined for 10 strikeouts and allowed only four hits over seven innings.
Nelson led the offense with two hits and three runs scored, while Ramirez contributed two RBIs and a hit. Contreras added a run and an RBI.
GAME TWO: RSU 1, UMARY 5 (15 INNINGS)
In the second game, Rogers State fell to the University of Mary, suffering a 5-1 defeat in a 15-inning marathon. Despite taking an early lead in the first inning when Harris scored on a fielder's choice after advancing to third on a wild pitch, RSU struggled to maintain momentum, managing only three hits throughout the game. The Marauders tied the game in the fifth inning and then broke the deadlock in the 15th with four runs.
The Hillcats' defense held strong early on, with
Spencer Hatch striking out four batters and allowing just one run through five innings. However, the game entered a tense stretch as both teams remained scoreless for eight innings. Key defensive plays, including catching runners stealing, kept the game tight, but RSU couldn't capitalize on their opportunities.
In the 15th inning, the Marauders scored four runs, starting with a single that brought Kalem Haney home. Cullen Wilson's two-RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Cru Walker extended Mary's lead. The Hillcats were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, concluding the game with a 5-1 defeat.
Hatch pitched five innings, allowing only one earned run while striking out four.
Christian Estep added a tidy inning of relief, striking out one and giving up no hits.
Mason Trotter faced control issues but managed to keep the scoreboard clean.
Michael Klein showcased efficiency over 5.1 innings, yielding no runs and striking out four, while
Dylan Weddle (0-1) was charged with the losing decision.
Harris stood out offensively in the second game with one hit, one run scored, and a walk. Nelson contributed on defense, recording four assists. Contreras added a single hit and one assist in the field.
RSU and UMary will conclude the four-game series with the finale at the RCB Bank Sports Complex at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
