University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

UCO's run in the MIAA Tournament ends

5/14/2017 7:17:00 PM | By: Chris Brannick

Anthony Alvarez

JOPLIN, Mo. – The University of Central Oklahoma lost 12-8 to Lindenwood in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association baseball championship Sunday evening at Warren Turner Field.

It was the first championship appearance by the Bronchos since joining the league in 2013. UCO jumped out to an early lead too, going ahead 6-1 in the second inning. But the 15th game of the tournament typically comes with tired arms, and the Bronchos felt the sting. Lindenwood scored in five straight innings and in 7-of-9 on the day.

"This was definitely an offensive game," UCO head coach John Martin said. "We fought like crazy to get here and fought just as hard to finish this thing off and win a championship. It just didn't happen for us today."

UCO scattered 12 hits against Lindenwood Sunday, as it did earlier in the day against Missouri Western in an elimination game. UCO also scored eight runs in both games. It was enough in the first game for the Bronchos to stave off elimination.

Caleb Peters led the Bronchos in the championship game with three hits. The outfielder was 3-of-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Eight Bronchos recorded a hit Sunday night. Korey Floyd and Brenton Washausen each had two hits.

The Bronchos used seven pitchers Sunday. J.J. Rogers got the start for the Bronchos and threw 2 1/3 innings. Greg Hyde, Brock Stuber, Tyler Culver, Ben Wusterbarth, Tabor Charles and Gibson Russ all came in in relief work.

The Central Staff faced the tough challenge of playing its fifth game in three days. The seven pitchers combined for just three strikeouts against Lindenwood, and allowed 14 hits on the day.

Central Oklahoma now awaits its fate for the NCAA Tournament. The selection show is Sunday at 9 p.m. The Bronchos were not ranked in the top-eight in the Central Region last week, but a run to the MIAA Championship game might be enough to push the Bronchos up into a spot in the postseason.

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