A late game rally fell short for the Westminster baseball team in Sunday's 7-6 loss to the University of the Ozarks (Ark.). The game closed out the three-game series with the Ozarks, ending the weekend with a 1-2 record.
The Ozarks put up two runs in the bottom of the first to start the game with a 2-0 lead, but junior Nick Cessna led-off the second inning with a home run to left center. The Blue Jays finished the inning with two ground outs and a pop fly to left field.
The Ozarks put up two more runs in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead.
In the top of the fifth, sophomore Nick Bohlmann reached base on a fielder's choice, and with two outs, senior Tyler Branneky hit a RBI double to left center to bring in Bohlmann. The inning ended with a fly out, and the Ozarks added two more runs in the sixth inning, taking a 6-2 advantage.
The Blue Jays put up four runs in the eighth inning. Ty. Branneky led-off with a triple, and Cessna hit a RBI single to shortstop, scoring Ty. Branneky. The next batter reached on a catcher's interference and the fourth batter was walked, loading the bases. The pitcher threw another four balls, walking Cessna in. Junior Nolan Bax then stepped up to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring junior Tanner Branneky. Sophomore Adam Mundle singled, moving each runner over a bag and loading the bases. Bohlmann grounded out to third but brought in sophomore Blake Strebler. Mundle moved to second, and freshman Mikey Williams advanced to third. Williams attempted to make it home but was thrown out at the plate, ending the inning with the score tied at 6-6.
The Blue Jays held the Ozarks from scoring in the bottom of the eighth, but they were unable to score themselves in the top of the ninth. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the Ozarks scored with a single to win the game 7-6.
The Blue Jays recorded 10 hits and five RBI. Ty. Branneky and Cessna each went 2-for-5 from the plate. Cessna also finished with two RBI, two runs, and six putouts.
Ta. Branneky was credited with the loss at the mound. He pitched the 1.0 innings. Senior Collin Brinker started the game on the mound. He pitched five innings, faced 23 batters and struck out four. Senior Justin Riggins came in as relief for Brinker and pitched 2.2 innings.
The Blue Jays host Augsburg College for their home-opener on Saturday, February 27. The doubleheader on Saturday begins at 1:00 pm, and they finalize the three-game series on Sunday, February 28, at 1:00 pm.
