Despite an early 2-0 lead for Oklahoma Christian University’s baseball team, 18 strikeouts proved fatal for the Eagles at Northeastern State University on Saturday.
The Eagles scored twice in the first two innings, but were caught forcing their base running too far on several occasions.
According to senior Caden Cleveland, the team focused on high-intensity offense during the preseason.
“With a physically smaller lineup this year, we are really looking to be aggressive on the bases,” Cleveland said. “This is something we haven’t necessarily done in the past but this year we are really focusing on getting runs and being a lot more aggressive.”
Two Eagle runners were picked off during the game while trying to extend their hits.
Oklahoma Christian maintained a 2-0 lead over the Riverhawks until the seventh inning, when a series of errors allowed Northeastern’s Jamie Graeser to reach third and eventually cross home plate.
Later in the seventh, Riverhawk pinch-hitter Fabio Arcelay tripled to center and earned an RBI, sending Northeastern’s second scoring runner home.
After tripling and doubling in his first game as an Eagle, Ben McKenzie was caught off-guard at second by Northeastern’s pitcher. Oklahoma Christian stranded four runners on base over the ninth and 10th innings.
Cleveland said due to limited scouting reports entering Saturday’s game, the team’s approach was to be prepared for whatever the Riverhawks had to offer.
“To be honest we did not know too much about the team going into the game,” Cleveland said. “They were a very good team with a powerful pitching staff and a solid lineup of hitters. We try to approach every game like we are playing a great team and will continue to do so as the year progresses.”
Northeastern’s Gabriel Wurth singled in the bottom of the 10th and reached third base off two separate Eagle throwing errors. Oklahoma Christian intentionally loaded the bases to force the out, but a single to left field sent Wurth home, sealing the win for the Riverhawks.
According to Cleveland, this season comes with a variety of emotions.
“[It’s] bittersweet,” Cleveland said. “It is bitter because this is my last season of eligibility and I know that I better make this season count. But with all the hard work that we have put in during the off-season, it is definitely going to be sweet to get the season going.”
Oklahoma Christian will take the mound in a doubleheader at Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Feb. 10, followed by their home opener against West Texas A&M University on Friday.
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