FHSU Athletics
EDMOND, Okla. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped the series opener at Central Oklahoma Friday evening, 8-2. The Tigers (18-7, 6-5 MIAA) collected four hits compared to 10 for the Bronchos (20-5, 7-4 MIAA), while the Bronchos committed an error.
Central Oklahoma struck first in the bottom of the first by scoring a run from a double, taking advantage early. The Tigers were quick to tie it up in the top of the second when Sebastian Burgos collected an RBI when Cesar Saavedra scored came across home. The Bronchos were quick to take the back the lead, with Central Oklahoma scoring two off three hits.
The third inning was all the Tigers, with Brady Kreutzer continuing his tear at the plate by hitting a solo home run to right center. Tiger starter Ty Riley went 4.1 innings giving up five hits and five earned runs while striking out three. Tanner Vaughn came out to relieve Riley, pitching a solid 3.2 innings striking out six and giving up three runs.
The Tigers were unable to get things going after Kreutzer's home run, not getting another base-runner till the sixth inning when Isaiah Ural was hit by a pitch and Trey DeGarmo walked on a full count. The Tigers weren't able to capitalize, with a Tiger grounding into a double play, leading to a punch out for Caleb Burchfield, Central Oklahoma's starter.
Burchfield went seven innings striking out six on just four Tiger hits. The two relievers that came in after Burchfield were able to keep the Tigers hit-less the remainder two innings.
Kreutzer, Saavedra, DeGarmo and Justin Lipka were the Tigers able to get a knock on the day, with Kreutzer and Burgos tallying the only RBI. DeGarmo was able to get on three of four at bats in the game today, tallying a double and two walks.
The teams will continue the series Saturday, with first pitch slated for 3 p.m.