Plainview, Texas – Wayland Baptist dropped the series finale against Oklahoma Panhandle State University by a score of 18-1 in a 7-inning run rule at Wilder Field Sunday afternoon. The Pioneers still won the 3-game home weekend series against OPSU to move to 5-1 in Sooner Athletic Conference play after the first two SAC series of the season.
Wayland Baptist (14-12, 5-1 SAC) left-handed pitcher
Branin Seibert began the game tossing two scoreless innings and getting help defensively from his infield after
Delvis Claudio and
Cooper Jauz each made spectacular diving plays to escape the second inning. The Pioneers loaded the bases in the bottom of the 2
nd with only one out, but they were unable to scratch across any runs and left the game scoreless.
OPSU got the scoring going in the top of the 3
rd with a solo shot to right field to lead off the inning to take a 1-0 lead. The Aggies knocked in two more runs to make it 3-0 after 4 innings, but the Aggies blew the game wide open in the top of the 5
th after hitting multiple 3-run homers to left to make it 9-0 after 5 innings of play.
The Pioneers got on the board in the bottom of the 5
th after
William Flowers singled to left, and his pinch-runner,
Riley Watson, scored on a wild pitch later in the inning to make it 9-1. However, OPSU's Tucker Bond hit his second home run of the game – this one being a two-run shot to left to make it 11-1 OPSU in the top of the 6
th inning. The Aggies got 9 more runs over their final two innings offensively to secure the 18-1win over the Pioneers.
The Pioneer offense, which has been scorching hot over the last 6 games, was held to just two hits this afternoon. Catcher
William Flowers collected both hits for the Pioneers with them both being singles.
Samuel Fabian reached on a hit by pitch and stole a base, his 13
th stolen base on the season.
Seibert finished his outing with 3.2 innings pitched, 3 runs allowed, 5 hits, 3 walks, and 1 strikeout.
The Pioneers will travel to Louisiana next weekend where they will challenge LSU-Alexandria in a four-game road series with a doubleheader on Friday, and a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch for game one of the Friday doubleheader scheduled for 12:00 PM.
