University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Late Rally Lifts UCO

3/11/2015 7:36:00 PM

Jake O'Brien

LINDSBORG, Kan. (March 11) – Jake O'Brien keyed a stunning ninth inning rally that lifted Central Oklahoma to an 8-6 victory over Bethany College here Wednesday afternoon.

The Bronchos scored five runs in the top of the ninth inning to overcome a 6-3 deficit, with O'Brien's two-run home run the big blow that fueled the amazing comeback.

UCO started the ninth with two quick outs before Josh Ingram's single kept the inning alive. O'Brien followed with his fourth homer of the season to give the Bronchos hope, with consecutive errors allowing Isaac Hellbusch and Dilon Argo to reach base.

Dylan Tinkler's run-scoring single then tied the game and another error on Ethan Elroy's grounder allowed Argo and Tinkler to score with the go-ahead runs.

"That was a tale of two different games," head coach Dax Leone said. "We basically played really poor and not clear at all for eight innings. But the ninth inning was an unbelievable team push on offense to earn the win.

"Baseball is a game of failure, but you will be rewarded in the long run if you always respect the game."

Tanner Ferrell ended up with the pitching win, allowing just one hit in going the final two innings as the last of seven pitchers the Bronchos used.

Tinkler had three hits and Ingram two to lead a 12-hit attack.

UCO, now 5-10 on the season, returns to Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play this weekend with a four-game series at Lincoln.

Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories