EDMOND, OKLA. – The East Central University baseball team lost a close game to Central Oklahoma, 2-3, in the final game of a home-and-home series in non-conference action.

The Tigers (0-7) saw three hits junior Kade Hayes, and recorded 10 as a team for the game.  Redshirt junior Josh Reeves and freshman Grant Powell also added two hits each.

Senior Dylan Sanchez earned the start and threw a complete game, allowing four hits, three runs and striking out three.

The teams played strong defense through the first four innings allowing no runs to be scored.  ECU was the first to get on the scoreboard, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth.

Senior Jake MeKeel started the inning by being hit by a pitch and was advanced to second on a single from Hayes.  Junior Casey Bowen sent the runners to second and third with a bunt.  That allowed Powell to earn the RBI with a single to center.

The Tigers added to the lead in the top of the seventh to go up 2-0. Hayes started things off with a single and then stole second.  Reeves sent him to third with a single to center and Powell again got the RBI with a single to center.

ECU continued its strong defensive play into the bottom of the ninth inning, but unfortunately the Bronchos (7-1) were able to score three runs on two hits for the walk-off win.

The Tigers will now get ready for their first Great American Conference games of the 2017 season, as they will host Arkansas-Monticello, Feb. 17-18 at Ken Turner Field.