FROM CBB NEWS SOURCES
The Tigers of Ouachita Baptist (45-13) continued their winning ways in the second round of the NCAA South Central Regional in the night-cap at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field, defeating the Wildcats (44-16) of Abilene Christian University, 10-5.
The Tigers showed their teeth early, outscoring the Wildcats 5-1 in the first four and half innings led by Justin Pennell’s two run single to left field in the top of the fourth.
The Wildcats cut the lead to one, scoring three runs in the bottom half before tying the game at 5-5 off a solo-shot from Mike Elkerson over the left field fence.
The game remained tied into the ninth inning when the Tigers opened the flood gates. A lead-off walk to Blake Lockwood got things started; he would score two batters later off a single from Jim Streicher, giving the Tigers the lead. Justin Pennell scored next and then Destan Makonnen put the game firmly out of reach with a three-run bomb over the left field wall, just over the outstretched glove of ACU’s Elkerson.
OBU’s Jerry Helferich earned his sixth win of the season for his efforts, while ACU’s Kevin Justice took the loss in his first decision of the year.
Ouachita Baptist advances with the win to face tournament host, Delta State, tomorrow at noon. Abilene Christian will face Southern Arkansas in game two at 3:30 p.m. The results of these two games will determine the pairing of the third game, scheduled for a 7:30 first pitch from Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field.
