Central Oklahoma used an early onslaught to defeat the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys 14-7 in non-conference baseball at Tech Field in Russellville on Tuesday.
After a scoreless first inning, the Bronchos (11-14) recorded three extra-base hits and took advantage of an Arkansas Tech error to score six runs in the top of the second.
The Wonder Boys (15-11) scored twice in the last of the second inning thanks to a Central Oklahoma error, but five more Broncho runs in the top of the third gave them an insurmountable 11-2 edge.
Central Oklahoma’s big third inning followed the same script as one frame before — three extra-base hits and an Arkansas Tech error.
By the time the day was over, UCO had accumulated 14 hits. Nine of them were for extra bases — five doubles, a triple and three home runs.
Ryan Schoonover, Derik Grimes and Austin Rycroft had three hits apiece for the Bronchos. Schoonover and Rycroft both drove in three runs. Grimes notched two runs batted in. All three hit a home run.
Chris Reese was 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs, Danny Higginbotham was 3-for-4 with a run scored and Landon Sullins went 2-for-5 with a triple, a double and two runs scored for the Wonder Boys.
UCO relief pitcher Ryan Fisher (1-2) allowed two runs on three hits over two innings of work and was credited with the win on the mound.
Arkansas Tech utilized the services of six pitchers on Tuesday. Starter Blake Evans (2-1) was tagged with the loss.
The Wonder Boys will resume Gulf South Conference action on Saturday, March 26, and Sunday, March 27, with a three-game series at the University of Arkansas-Monticello.
Arkansas Tech is 3-0 in league play and tied with Harding University and Delta State for the early GSC West Division lead.
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