Drovers Drop Season Opener

CHICKASHA – Scoring two runs in the first inning is a great way to start a season. But the University of Science and Arts went scoreless through the next eight innings dropping its season opener to the University of St. Mary, Kan., 4-2 Saturday afternoon at Bill Smith Ballpark.

Outfielder Grady Wood’s first-inning single drove in Brian Jones for the first run of the season, and Wood scored two batters later on a ground out to give USAO a 2-0 lead.

St. Mary answered in the third inning with a two-run homer by Colin Aldrich that gave the visitors a 3-2 lead. Jack Cunningham scored on a USAO error in the second inning for St. Mary’s first score.

The Drovers had chances coming down the stretch but never could get on the scoreboard. In the fifth inning, a double play ended a scoring threat. And in the sixth inning, USAO had two runners on base with no outs but failed to score.

In the sixth inning, singles by Kyle Bradburry and Adam Crosbie gave the team its best and last chance to rally, but St. Mary pitcher Derek Allison not only struck out the next three USAO batters to get out of the inning, but he also struck out the side in the seventh inning as well.

USAO (0-1) travels to Lawton for a Tuesday doubleheader against Cameron beginning at 1 p.m. The team’s next home game will be Feb. 25 against Bellevue at 5 p.m. at Chickasha High School.

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