ASN Staff
The Ouachita Baptist University Tigers rolled over the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers, 12-2, Thursday in Arkadelphia in Great American Conference play.
Ouachita’s John Matros picked up his fourth win of the year in the contest, going six strong, allowing four hits on two runs with six strikeouts. His counterpart Bryce Tomlin of the Rangers falls to 3-6 on the year with the loss. Tomlin went four and two thirds, allowing five hits on five runs against the Tigers.
The Rangers opened up scoring with senior Jake Long cashing in senior Colton Krokroski on a base hit to right field. The Rangers, however, couldn’t hold the lead long as the Tigers answered back with a run of their own in their half of the inning. After three innings the game was tied up at 1-apiece.
The fifth inning is where the Tigers took over and didn’t look back. The Tigers plated four runs to take a 5-2 lead over the Rangers; while chasing Ranger starter Tomlin and cracking into the Ranger bullpen.
Ouachita’s big inning came in the 8th when they plated six runs to mercy the Rangers 12-2.
The Tigers were led by Arkadelphia native, junior outfielder Jakahari Howell, who was 2-for-3 on the day with three RBI’s and triple to his credit.
Outfielder Ty Owens and catcher Kyle Alexander also chipped in for the Tigers with two RBI’s a piece.
The lone bright spot for the Rangers was Long’s day at the dish, finishing 3-for-4 with a double and one RBI.
The Tigers and Rangers finish up their three game set with a double header on Friday with the first game starting at noon. The series has major playoff implications for both teams. The Tigers are currently tied for eighth place in the GAC standings with the Rangers three games back of that final playoff spot the Tigers currently hold.