ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State opened up their season Friday afternoon when they took the field against MIAA opponent, Fort Hays State and came away with a big opening day win, 4-2.
One of the big stories of the game was transfer pitcher Bryce Tomlin who took the mound in the first game of the season and his first in a Ranger uniform, going six innings, earning six strikeouts while surrendering just one hit.
Seven different Rangers joined the hitting column in the contest, helping the offense plate four runs, which was good enough for the win.
The Rangers started out with a bang on the defensive side of the ball as starting pitcher Bryce Tomlin pitched to contact and received three straight outs due to stellar defense.
Neither team was able to get anything going early on, but the Rangers were able to plate a run in the bottom of the third off a mashed triple delivered by TJ Kassner, scoring Colton Krokroskia.
As the Tigers threatened in the top of the sixth inning, the Ranger defense held strong, backing their starter, Tomlin, who had a fantastic debut.
Northwestern was able to get rolling again in the bottom half of the sixth frame, starting with a walk of Kassner, who quickly reached third on consecutive stolen bases. Following a Garrett Douglas walk and a ripped double to left field by Jorin Van Amstel, Kassner was able to cross for the score, making it 2-0, Rangers.
The scoring continued in the bottom half of the inning as Douglas was able to score on a wild pitch by the Tiger hurler.
The top of the seventh inning was fantastic for the Black-and-Red defense and freshman reliever, Sean Rydell as he was solid in his first career collegiate appearance, going three-up, three-down.
FHSU had a big top of the eighth inning as they were able to get on the board with two runs on two hits, but Ranger reliever David Sanchez came in to clean up. and was able to get out with minimal damage allowing just two runs.
Northwestern was able to plate one more run in their half of the inning, making the score 4-2, following a Nathan Kane single, bringing home Douglas.
Sanchez came out in the final inning as well and was flawless, sitting down the visitors in order to win the game.
In conclusion, Tomlin earned the win, and Sanchez the save.
Up Next
The Rangers continued the weekend Saturday afternoon when they began the day with Northwest Missouri State at noon and concluded with the second contest with Fort Hays State at 3 p.m.
Stats
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Fort Hays State 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 1
Northwestern 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 X 4 7 0
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