Heath Steele went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in OC's 5-4 win Friday over Central Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 20, 2012) – When Oklahoma Christian's long losing streak finally ended Friday night, the Eagles ran out to the pitcher's mound, all wearing smiles – more out of relief than celebration.
Luke Sandoval pitched the first nine-inning complete game of his career and Heath Steele and Wes Dorough had two RBIs each as the Eagles beat Central Oklahoma 5-4 at Dobson Field.
It was the first win for OC (8-30) since March 6, when the Eagles downed Bethel (Tenn.) 14-4 in the first game of a doubleheader. Bethel won the second game, starting the Eagles on a 25-game skid, during which seemingly almost every break went against them.
At least until Friday, that is.
Sandoval, a freshman from Weatherford, allowed seven hits and four runs (three earned) while striking out four and walking one. Down 5-3 entering the ninth inning, UCO (29-14) rallied, as Cameron Mavroulis singled with two outs and scored on a double by Tucker Brown. But Sandoval (3-5) retired Jared Wright on a groundout to end the game.
"It feels good to get back in the win column," OC coach Chuck White said. "Luke Sandoval was the key tonight. He was effective from the first inning tonight. What an outstanding performance by a freshman."
OC took a 3-2 lead with a three-run third inning against UCO starter Josh Rolan. Dorough and Steele both had RBI doubles before Cody Alsup delivered a single to score Steele and put the Eagles ahead.
The Bronchos pulled even in the fourth, but Sandoval held them in check the rest of the way until the ninth. Rolan left after six innings and the Eagles jumped on reliever Uriah Fisher (3-2) in the seventh.
Dillon Andrews doubled to center and Jerry Owen reached on an error. Dorough followed with an infield single to score Andrews and give the Eagles a 4-3 lead. Owen went to third base on another error and scored on a single by Steele to right field.
Caleb Price went 3-for-5 for OC, while Dorough and Steele each finished 2-for-3.
"We had a good approach at the plate tonight all up and down the lineup," White said. "We had some clutch hits and were able to execute in hitting situations, giving ourselves a chance. We have had to move a few guys around in the lineup in the last couple of games due to some late-season injuries, but in spite of that we had a good team performance in all phases of the game."
OC will visit UCO on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for the rubber match of the three-game series.
