Game Details:
Friday, March 22, 2019
Clarksville, Ark. | Lonnie R. Qualls Field
Game One: Howard Payne University 5, University of the Ozarks 3
Game Two: Howard Payne University 8, University of the Ozarks 6
Records:
University of the Ozarks (10-15, 5-6 ASC)
Howard Payne University (15-8, 11-0 ASC)
GAME ONE
Overview:
Cliff Lunceford recorded a clutch two-run single in the eighth inning to help Howard Payne University to a 5-3 come-from-behind win in game one Friday. The Eagles opened the game with a run in the first frame on Chance Edwards' RBI single. The gritty Yellow Jackets later followed with a pair of runs in the next inning to hold a 2-1 advantage. The Eagles countered with two runs in the third on Breyden Varner's two-run homer. Howard Payne wouldn't go away and evened the score 3-3 in the sixth. Eventually, the Yellow Jackets were in position to plate the runs needed and delivered in the top of the eighth. From there, the Eagles flew out, grounded out, walked and flew out in the bottom of the eighth. Starting pitcher Dalton Spurgeon induced a double play in the third and relief pitcher Tyler Vernon did the same in the seventh to stop any scoring threats. The Eagles' offense produced eight hits, with Varner and Edwards tallying two hits apiece.
Pitching Decisions:
WP: Xavier Haines (W, 1-0) 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO
LP: Tyler Vernon (L, 0-1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO
Ozarks Scoring Summary:
1st - Chase Edwards doubled down the lf line, RBI; Breyden Varner scored.
3rd - Breyden Varner homered to left field, 2 RBI; Rocky Liveoak scored.
Notables:
Breyden Varner crushed his team-leading seventh home run of the season. Varner ranks second in the league in homers.
GAME TWO
Overview:
The Yellow Jackets again found a way to come from behind and remain undefeated in conference play scoring the game-winning runs in the final frame to escape with a 8-6 victory. The Eagles scored all six runs in the third. The Eagles totaled five hits, highlighted by Edwards' three-run smash in the third. Erick Aguirre also produced a run with a bases loaded walk and Varner ripped a two-run double. Leading 6-1, the Eagles were unable to slow down the Yellow Jackets as the visitors scored three in the fourth and two in the fifth to tie the back-and-forth game. In the eighth, leadoff man Noah Payne did the damage hitting a two-run home run. Both teams recorded eight hits. Edwards was a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBI.
Pitching Decisions:
WP: Ben Schardt (W, 1-1) 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO
LP: Brady Taylor (L, 0-2) 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO
Ozarks Scoring Summary:
Stephens singled to left field.
Lozano singled through the left side; Stephens advanced to second.
Ebarb reached on a fielder's choice; Lozano advanced to second; Stephens out at third c to 3b.
Liveoak singled through the left side; Ebarb advanced to second; Lozano advanced to third.
Aguirre walked, RBI; Liveoak advanced to second; Ebarb advanced to third; Lozano scored.
Varner doubled to left center, 2 RBI; Aguirre advanced to third; Liveoak scored; Ebarb scored.
Edwards homered to right field, 3 RBI; Varner scored; Aguirre scored.
Swartz struck out swinging, out at first c to 1b.
Stanley struck out swinging, out at first c to 1b.
Notables:
Chase Edwards went 4-for-4, increasing his batting average to .391. It was his first four-hit game of the season.
Up Next:
The Eagles will finish the series against Howard Payne University Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
