SHAWNEE, Okla. – The East Central University baseball team wrapped up its series against Oklahoma Baptist University on Sunday, falling 14-4 in game one before dropping a closer 10-8 decision in game two.
 
With the losses, ECU falls to 3-17 overall and 1-11 in GAC play.
 
The Tigers struggled to capitalize early on their opportunities in both games, while OBU proved more efficient in driving in runs, totaling 24 on the day compared to ECU's 12. OBU outhit ECU 17-10 in game one and slightly edged them 11-9 in the second game.
 
GAME 1 | ECU 4, OBU 14
ECU took an early lead in the first inning after Zac Carroll's RBI single drove in Weldon Sherrell for a 1-0 advantage. However, the Bison answered quickly, scoring five runs on five hits in the bottom of the first to take a 5-1 lead.
 
The Tigers responded in the second inning with an RBI single from Bennie Qualls that plated Christian Fernandez, but OBU continued to extend its lead. The Bison added a run in the second, two in the third, and another in the fourth to lead 9-2.
 
ECU scored again in the fifth, thanks to a two-RBI double from Ryan Strickland, which drove in Carroll and Sherrell. However, that would be all the Tigers could manage as OBU added more insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings to seal the 14-4 victory.
 
Cal Birchfield got the start but took the loss, with Nate Windle, Luke Livian, Beau Driggers, and Tate Rico all coming in for relief. Zac Carroll led the Tigers offensively, going 3-for-5 at the plate, while Sherrell added two hits.
 
GAME 2 | ECU 8, OBU 10
The Tigers struggled to generate offense early in game two, recording just two hits in the first four innings. It was a pitcher's duel through the first two frames, with both teams struggling to score. However, OBU broke through in the third, adding three runs on two hits for a 3-0 lead. The Bison kept their momentum going in the fourth, scoring four more runs to extend their lead to 7-0.
 
ECU responded in the fifth inning, scoring four runs on just two hits. Krew Taylor led off with a walk, Tyler Akers singled, and Weldon Sherrell walked to load the bases. Zac Carroll then drew a bases-loaded walk to get the Tigers on the board before Trace Necessary followed with a clutch, bases-clearing double to left-center, cutting the deficit to 7-4.
 
OBU answered with two more runs to extend their lead to 9-4, but ECU continued to fight back. The Tigers added a run in the sixth when Sherrell drove in a run with an RBI single, narrowing the gap to 9-5. OBU added one final run in the bottom of the sixth, making it 10-5.
 
In their final at-bats, ECU mounted a rally. Blake Seefeldt singled, Lucas Barnes reached on a fielder's choice, and DeAngelo Morales drew a walk to load the bases. Krew Taylor then walked to score Seefeldt, and Akers delivered a two-RBI single to left field, scoring Barnes and Morales, narrowing the deficit to 10-8. Sherrell worked another walk to load the bases once more, but OBU brought in their final pitcher, who struck out the next batter to end the threat and secure the win for the Bison.
 
Ezra Gustafson took the loss after going 3.2 innings, allowing seven runs (four earned) on seven hits. Jeremy Slate pitched 2.1 innings in relief, giving up three runs on four hits. Tyler Akers led the Tigers with three hits and two RBIs, while Krew Taylor added two hits.
 
The ECU baseball team will return to action on Tuesday, March 11, as they host Southwestern Oklahoma State University for a nonconference game at 2 p.m.