Kyle Gibbs’ run batted in during the top of the ninth inning pushed Arkansas Tech University into the lead and on its way to a 7-5 non-conference baseball win over the University of Central Oklahoma on Friday.
The game was played in Grand Prairie, Texas, as part of the season-opening Airhog DII Classic.
Gibbs broke a 5-5 tie when he hit into a fielder’s choice that sent Harry Gard home with the go-ahead run. A subsequent balk allowed Riley Hickerson to provide the Wonder Boys (1-1) with an insurance run.
The Bronchos (1-1) brought the potential tying run to the plate in the last of the ninth, but Tech relief pitcher Nolan Withrow induced a game-ending ground out by UCO’s Justin Brown.
Withrow (1-0) allowed one run on two hits over two innings of relief work. He notched three strikeouts.
Ben Wusterbath (0-1) allowed two runs on two hits in one and two-thirds innings out of the Broncho bullpen.
Tech’s Dylan McDearmon went 3-for-4 with two runs batted in. Gard, Hickerson, Connor Brady and Jake Harvey recorded two hits apiece. Harvey drove in two runs.
The Wonder Boys will continue their portion of the Airhog DII Classic by taking on Emporia State University for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday, Feb. 3. Live coverage will be available at www.arkansastechsports.com.
