YORK, NE –
Game 1: Eagles Drop Series Opener at York, 5–3
OKWU baseball dropped a closely contested Game 1 of its three-game series at York University, falling 5–3 Friday afternoon.
The Eagles matched York hit for hit for much of the afternoon, collecting nine hits and playing error-free defense, but a two-run home run in the seventh inning proved to be the difference.
York struck first with a run in the second, but OKWU answered in the third when D. Manzanillo singled down the right-field line to score W. Diaz and even the score. The Eagles took a brief lead in the fourth as C. Stinson delivered an RBI single to center, scoring J. Gutierrez.
York responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth to reclaim the lead, but the Eagles continued to battle. OKWU tied the game again in the sixth when D. Bailey, pinch hitting, knocked in Stinson with a single to left field.
The contest remained knotted at 3–3 until the bottom of the seventh, when York connected on a two-run homer, sending the home team ahead for good. The Eagles threatened late but was unable to push across a run in the final two innings.
C. Stinson led the Eagles offensively, going 3-for-3 with an RBI, while D. Manzanillo added two hits and an RBI. On the mound, A. Garcia turned in a strong outing despite the loss, striking out nine batters across seven innings.
Game 2: Eagles Fall in Game Two at York, 5–2
OKWU baseball was unable to complete a late comeback in Game 2 of its series at York University, falling 5–2 Friday afternoon.
York built an early advantage, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run. York added another run in the fourth to extend the lead to 5–0.
Despite being held scoreless through the first five innings, the Eagles responded in the sixth. L. Antigua provided the offensive spark, launching a two-run home run to left field to score J. Parreno and cut the deficit to three.
OKWU collected five hits in the contest, with L. Antigua going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs, while Parreno also finished with two hits. The Eagles put runners aboard late but were unable to bring across additional runs.
On the mound, G. Florio worked 4.1 innings, striking out six before turning the game over to the bullpen. J. Stangl delivered 1.2 scoreless innings in relief to keep the Eagles within striking distance.
Game 3: Eagles Bounce Back with 22–0 Win Over York in Series Finale
OKWU baseball responded in emphatic fashion in the series finale, rolling past York University 22–0 Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles wasted no time offensively, jumping out to a 2–0 lead in the first inning behind a two-run home run from J. Maloney. OKWU continued to pour on the runs, scoring in every inning of the seven-inning contest.
A pair of two-run homers from B. Caldwell in the second and sixth innings fueled the early surge, while the Eagles broke the game open with a five-run third inning. Later, OKWU exploded for seven runs in the seventh to put the game away.
B. Caldwell led the charge with a 5-for-5 performance, two home runs, and eight RBIs, while J. Maloney finished 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. D. Escobar added a three-run homer in the seventh as part of the Eagles' 18-hit attack.
On the mound, A. Luera was dominant, throwing six shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out eight to earn the win. The Eagles' pitching staff combined for a one-hit shutout, completing a highly efficient performance.
OKWU closed the weekend on a high note, showcasing both offensive firepower and strong pitching as the Eagles move forward in conference play.
