#4 Blake Hultgren
#11 Charlie Parker
Point Lookout, MO - In the first Sooner Athletic Conference home series for the baseball Bobcats, C of O was set to square off against the Rams of Texas Wesleyan University.
C of O vs Texas Wesleyan University – Game One
In the opener of the series, at Coach Bob Smith Field, the College of the Ozarks Bobcats secured a narrow victory over the Rams with a final score of 7-6 on Friday. The windy yet sunny conditions added an extra layer of challenge to the competitive atmosphere.
The Bobcats, driven by key performances from several players, managed to tip the scales in their favor. Charlie Parker was a standout, not only hitting a homerun but also driving in the final two runs to propel the Bobcats to the win. Aaron Fisher matched Parker's impact by also earning two RBIs. Brody Baumann and George Reynolds contributed with one RBI each, ensuring the Bobcats could maintain their lead. The game saw additional runs scored by Trey Riley, Brody Tyler, and Blake Hultgren, further solidifying the team's offensive efforts.
On the mound, Cameron Jennings started for the Bobcats, delivering a crucial performance that helped contain the efforts of Texas Wesleyan. Brody Tyler came in to secure the win and recorded a save for the Bobcats. This victory improves the College of the Ozarks' record to 7-8 for the season. Friday's hard-fought win adds a crucial victory to the Bobcats' season as they look forward to building on this performance to enhance their standing in the conference.
C of O vs Texas Wesleyan University – Game Two
As the wind continued to blow and be a factor at Coach Bob Smith Field, the Bobcats looked to keep rolling against the Rams. The Rams however, had different plans and bounced back to take game two, 5-2.
Texas Wesleyan's Rams capitalized early in the game, thanks to key contributions from, notably from Brenden Rincones who had a standout game with a homerun and a double. The Bobcats struggled to gain a lead, despite efforts from players like Ty Rush and Hunter Lewis, who each scored runs, and Hunter Lewis and George Reynolds who contributed RBI's. The key moments of the game saw Rincones hitting a home run in the 1st inning, putting pressure on the Bobcats early on. In response, the Bobcats managed to rally two runs in the 4th inning, showcasing a brief comeback spark.
The Bobcats' starting pitcher, Brody Baumann, faced a tough roster from Texas Wesleyan and the Cats could not overcome the early offense of the Rams.
C of O vs Texas Wesleyan University – Game Three
After splitting the two games on Friday, the Bobcats looked to bounce back in the series finale against the Rams on Saturday. In an overcast and chilly game at Coach Bob Smith Field, the Bobcats fell 7-3 to the visitors and concluded the series going 1-2. Despite a strong showing and valiant effort to come back, the Bobcats could not overcome the early momentum gained by the Rams.
The home team saw contributions from Alex Nimmo and Landon Jines, who scored two and one runs respectively. While the runs were a hopeful sign, the Rams' formidable offense was highlighted by Rody Garcia's two-run homer in the second inning, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Bobcats could not find the response, as they struggled to get runs across the plate in the early innings. Apart from the efforts of George Reynolds, Hunter Lewis, and Aaron Fisher, each contributing one RBI the Bobcat offense was kept in check by the Rams.
Bobcats' starting pitcher, Ty Thatcher, faced a tough challenge against the Rams. Offensively, Charlie Parker stood out with an impressive performance, securing three hits during the game. His efforts, however, were not enough to swing the game in favor of the Bobcats.
Looking to bounce back, the Bobcats will again play at Coach Bob Smith Field on Tuesday, March 11, hosting non-conference opponent, Oakland City University. Game time on Tuesday is 3:00 with a single nine-inning game. The Bobcats will then face the Mighty Oaks on Wednesday at noon for another single nine-inning game.