Rogers State And MACU Split Doubleheader

Mid-America Christian University pitcher Christian Hill dazzled in the opening game to lead the Evangels to a 2-1 victory over the No. 6-ranked Rogers State University Hillcats in the opening game of a doubleheader Thursday afternoon (Mar. 28) in Claremore, Okla. The Hillcats came back and took the second game 7-1.

MACU starter Christian Hill was magnificent in the first game for the Evangels, pitching a complete game and allowing only one run on four hits with three strikeouts. It's the second complete game of the year for Hill and third overall for the Evangels.

Shawn Spainhoward was also effective on the mound for the Hillcats, pitching seven innings and striking out seven with no earned runs allowed.

The Evangels scored their two runs in the first, as Dustin Carlsward reached base on an error and was driven home on a run-scoring fielder's choice by Kory Palmer. Trent Daniels then singled home pinch runner Jerry McNew that put MACU ahead 2-0.

After pitching around two hits in the first, Hill settled in and retired the next 16 batters he faced until running into a bit of trouble in the bottom of the seventh.

With one out, consecutive doubles by Colton Campbell and Tyler Wheeler made it a one-run game with the tying run on second.

Hill then got Brandon Bargas to groundout for the second out of the inning before allowing a walk to Blake Heston that put the winning run on base.

But a flyout by Emmanuel De La Cruz to right ended the threat and sealed the win for the Evangels.

Hill also helped himself at the plate, going 2-of-3 to add to his team-leading .329 batting average heading into the day.

The Hillcats fought back strong in the nightcap as a two-run double by Campbell keyed a three-run first inning.

Jose Olazagasti then singled home two runs in the bottom of the second that made it 5-0.

RSU added another run in the fourth when Eric Baker hit a lead-off triple and scored on a squeeze bunt by Olazagasti.

The Evangels got on the board as Jerry McNew drove home Hill in the top of the fifth inning.

Kyle Duncan got the win for the Hillcats by striking out seven batters and giving up only one run in seven innings of work.

MACU will host the Hillcats for a doubleheader to wrap up the four-game series Saturday afternoon (Mar. 30) at 1 p.m. at James Curtis Field.