Drovers Edge Iowa Wesleyan

CHICKASHA – For the second time in three games, a clutch performance kept the University of Science and Arts’ winning streak alive.

Russell Boswell’s slow chopper to the short stop in the bottom of the 10th inning, gave Kyle Bradburry just enough time to cross the plate for the winning run in USAO’s 4-3 extra-inning win over Iowa Wesleyan College Thursday afternoon at Bill Smith Ballpark.

Leading most of the game 2-1, USAO found itself in a little bit of trouble when IWC’s Tim Messer hit a solo homer in the eighth inning to tie the score. That one pitch was the only blemish on pitcher Brian Wyatt’s day.

The senior threw 9 2/3 innings giving up only two earned runs and one walk with 10 strikeouts. But the Messer bomb sent the game to extra innings.

In the 10th, IWC took a 3-2 lead when Messer scored from second base on a misjudged fly ball.

The Drovers answered as Joel Atchley (who finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored) led off with a walk, and Bradburry singled to center field. Adam Crosbie singled up the middle to score Atchley, and Kris Kolar’s sacrifice bunt moved Bradburry to third base and Crosbie to second.

With one out, IWC intentional walked Jake Robertson to load the bases in hopes of forcing an inning-ending double play. But Boswell’s chopper gave IWC no chance at the double play, and Bradburry beat the throw home.

USAO improved to 11-9 overall as the team’s winning streak has now reached five games. The Drovers have also won nine of the last 12 games with upcoming home games against Hastings, Neb., at 1 p.m. Sunday and Hillsdale Bible College at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

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