OPSU Take Losses Against Golden Lions

Pine Bluff, Ark.—The Aggies traveled east last week to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to take on the Golden Lions in a three-game series over Friday and Saturday. The Aggies battled to stand their ground against the NCAA-Division I university, but were overtaken by the Golden Lions in a series sweep, (5-1; 11-1; 5-1).

Adrian Lopez worked the mound in game one, issuing five runs off nine hits but overall throwing a well-pitched eight innings. The Golden Lions got the jump on the Aggies early, plating four runs in the fourth. In the top of the fifth, Kasey Leatherwood led off with a hit through the left side and took advantage of an error by the Golden Lions, advancing to third. Luis Rodriguez brought Leatherwood home on a sac bunt to get a point on the board for the Aggies. UAPB scored again in the bottom of the eighth off an RBI single to bring the final game tally 5-1.

Saturday’s double header proved challenging for the Aggies, as game one escalated 11-1 in favor of the Golden Lions. Corey Ley pitched through five innings before Charlie Marini came in to close; both faced hot batters from UAPB and leaden fielding behind them. The Golden Lions were again quick to score, plating three runs in the bottom of the first with the Aggies scoring in the second off an RBI double from Juan Sanchez. UAPB tacked on four runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, pulling away with the lead and sealing the game two victory.

With Garrison Armstrong on the bump in game three, the freshman pitcher allowed just three hits, but the Golden Lions plated five runs to the Aggies’ one throughout the seven inning bout. Bradley Ruiz gave the Aggies their single run off an RBI sac fly, but they could not catch up to the UAPB lead and gave up the sweep.

The Aggies come away with a series loss against Arkansas Pine Bluff, but remain high on their season record at 24-27 and 12-12 in conference. This weekend will mark their final regular season games as they face the Oklahoma City Stars at home on Friday and Saturday, April 27-28. Game one of Friday’s double header will begin at 1:00 p.m., and Saturday’s single nine-inning game commences at 12:00 p.m. with a special Senior Day recognition prior to game time. The Aggies hope their fans can make it out to cheer on the team for their last home games of the season, and to support the seniors on Saturday.