Bronchos Rally To Earn Split

4/2/2011 8:36:58 PM

Tyler Hancock

Game 1 Box
Game 2 Box

EDMOND (April 1) – Keegan Morrow's clutch two-run single capped a four-run eighth inning rally that vaulted Central Oklahoma to a wild 15-13 come-from-behind triumph over Lone Star Conference rival Abilene Christian Saturday afternoon at Wendell Simmons Field.

The Bronchos dropped a tough 7-5 decision in the first game of the doubleheader and fell behind 12-7 in the nightcap before pulling out the finale of the three-game conference series as pitcher Aaron Rosborough handcuffed the Wildcats down the stretch.

“This was a typical conference weekend between two tradition-rich programs,” UCO coach Dax Leone said. “We understand we're not where we're going to be, but that comes with hard work and toughness. Our players left everything on the field today and as a coach that's all you can ask for.”

The Bronchos trailed 13-11 entered the eighth inning of the second game, but Kade Kauk quickly got the game-winning rally started with a lead-off single. He scored on Tucker Brown's double down the left field line and Brown came across with the tying run one out later on Arrow Cunningham's bunt single.

Jordan Mullin singled to move Cunningham to third and Keegan came through when he laced a two-out single to right field to make it 15-13.

Rosborough quickly put ACU down in order in the top of the ninth to polish off the big win. The junior right-hander gave up just two hits and one unearned run while pitching the final 4 2/3 innings to pick up the pitching win.

UCO finished with a season-high 20 hits, getting three-hit outings from Morrow, Cunningham, Mullin and Mike Boyle. Tyler Hancock drove in four runs with a pair of hits.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning of that game, but UCO got two runs back in its initial at bat and then went up 6-3 in the second as Hancock had a two-run single. The teams traded runs in the fourth and then ACU seemingly took control with an eight-run fifth in surging on top 12-7.

The Bronchos came right back, however, getting four runs in the bottom of that frame. Mullin had an RBI triple while Boyle and Hancock added run-scoring singles to make it 12-11, with ACU scoring its final run in the seventh to set the stage for UCO's final comeback.

ACU never trailed in the opener, taking a 4-0 lead in the top of the second despite getting only one hit as two UCO errors led to three unearned runs. The Wildcats had just six hits in the game, but took advantage of nine walks in the contest.

Derik Grimes had two of UCO's seven hits.

The Bronchos return to action Tuesday, hosting Science and Arts of Oklahoma for a 7 p.m. contest at RedHawks Field in Oklahoma City. Admission is free.

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