Oklahoma Christian University wins game one

Oklahoma Christian University wins game one

Edmond, OK - OCU defeated Northwest Missouri State 3-1 on Friday afternoon in Edmond, Oklahoma. The game was witnessed by 85 fans in windy yet fantastic 70 degree weather. The game took about 2 hours and 42 minutes to complete. Northwest's record falls to 3-4, 0-0 MIAA with the loss. Two terrific pitching performances by Anthony Caenepeel and Nikko Pablo were not enough as OCU's pitching held the Bearcats bats silent for the most part of the game. With the tough luck loss, Caenepeel's 2016 record falls to 0-3. Caenepeel only allowed a single run in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th inning with the 4th inning run being unearned. Nikko Pablo came into the game in the 5th inning and worked four innings of scoreless relief.

Offense - Nick Gotta was your offensive MVP of the game. Go-Go-Gotta went 2 for 5 with a double and a stolen base. Jay Hrdlicka earned 2 walks and scored a run in the game. Austin Wulff earned two walks and was hit by a pitch in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 with a walk in the game. James Holler also went 1 for 4. Kevin Handzlik smashed Northwest's only RBI in the game and went 1 for 3 in the game. In total, Northwest scored 1 run off of 5 hits, 1 RBI, 7 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 10 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with one error (Hrdlicka) that led to one unearned run.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel earned the start for Northwest and did a fine job. Anthony faced a few batters in the 5th inning before giving way to Nikko Pablo. In total, Anthony worked 4.0 innings, allowed 6 hits, 3 runs (only 2 earned), 1 walk, 3 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. Nikko Pablo came into the game and kept the Cats in it with an exemplary pitching performance. In total, Nikko worked 4.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

B2R thoughts - Northwest had their chances in the game and did a terrific job of getting runners on base. With 10 runners left on base, the score could have easily been a 7-3 Bearcat victory with a timely hit or two. The formula is in place and Northwest is putting pressure on the opposing pitcher and defense. Northwest's pitching has been outstanding and will keep the Cats in the game. Look for Northwest to explode offensively in this series and force a deciding game three to determine the series winner.

Go Cats!!

###