Ottawa, Kan.— Ottawa built their cushion in the opening innings and never let the Spires back into the game Tuesday afternoon, defeating USM 9-2 at Alumni Park in Ottawa, Kansas. The Braves scored two runs in the first inning, including one on a Spires throwing error, then added another run in the second and two more in the fifth to take firm momentum and control of the outing.
The Braves' biggest swing came in the fifth, when Dodd delivered a two-run home run that extended the lead to 5-0. Ottawa kept adding on from there, scoring once in the sixth and three more times in the seventh to open a 9-0 advantage. Dodd finished with a homer and two RBIs, while Julius Ryan had two hits, including a double. Branden Franz added an RBI double, and Jeremy Freeman contributed two hits and two RBIs during Ottawa's late surge.
Saint Mary broke through in the seventh inning.
Ben Brandt drove in the Spires' first run from
Sergio Fierro who was on base with a single to left.
Abdullah Harris would single to center field in the eighth inning, setting up another scoring sequence for the Spires.
Tannen Buss would walk to get on while
Spencer Baehman would single it back up the middle to advance all runners. A small break would come for USM when Harris would score on a passed ball, but by then Ottawa's early offensive burst and steady pitching had already shaped the outcome.
Saint Mary starter
Andrew Richardson took the loss after working 4 1/3 innings. Ottawa collected seven hits and scored five runs against him, putting pressure on the Spires staff throughout the afternoon. Ottawa right-hander Johnson kept USM quiet for most of his seven-inning outing, allowing five hits and one run while striking out seven to earn the win.
The Spires finished with seven hits, two from
Sergio Fierro with
Saul Vazquez-Alvarado,
Spencer Baehman,
Ben Brandt,
Maverick Rockers, and
Abdullah Harris each collecting one hit, but could not string together enough offense against Johnson and Ottawa's staff. OU ended with nine runs on nine hits and one error.
The Spires get right back to it tomorrow evening with a single non-con game against Rockhurst University at Loyola Park Baseball Field in Kansas City, Missouri with first pitch set for 5:00 p.m.
