MOORE, Okla. — Randall used a pair of late surges to sweep Southwestern in a two-game set Tuesday, taking the first game 6-3 and winning the nightcap 9-8 in walk-off fashion.
In the opener, Randall used a three-run third inning and a two-run fourth to build a lead and hold off Southwestern 6-3.
After a scoreless first two innings, Randall struck for three runs in the third. The Saints added two more in the fourth to extend the lead to 5-1. Southwestern responded with a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth to pull within 6-3, but could not get closer.
Jace Shipley earned the win in relief, working 3 1/3 innings and allowing two runs. Ethan Flaherty started and allowed one run in 3 2/3 innings. Southwestern issued five walks and committed two errors in the loss.
Sam Benz went 2 for 2 with two walks and scored a run for Southwestern. Brice Nittler had a hit, a walk, and an RBI, and Raisean Dorsey drove in two, including a sacrifice fly. Randall was paced by Yulian Gaston, who went 2 for 3 with two runs and an RBI, and Jason Carrell, who went 2 for 3 with two RBIs.
In the nightcap, Southwestern piled up 17 hits and carried multiple leads, but Randall broke through with a four-run sixth inning and completed the comeback with a run in the bottom of the ninth for the 9-8 win.
Southwestern jumped in front early with three runs in the second and added runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings to build a 7-3 advantage. Randall answered in the sixth when Carrell launched a three-run home run to left, cutting the deficit to 7-6.
Southwestern tacked on an insurance run in the seventh, but Randall kept chipping away. The Saints scored once in the seventh to make it 8-7, then tied the game in the ninth on Mario Lopez's RBI single. Randall scored the winning run later in the inning to complete the rally.
Gabe Rodriguez went 4 for 5 with two runs and an RBI for Southwestern. Benz went 3 for 6 with two RBIs, while Koda Larsen added three hits and an RBI. Randall was led by Jett Milsap, who went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and three runs scored. Carrell drove in three with his home run.
Southwestern will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 7, when the Builders host Peru State for a four-game series at Broadway Sports Complex. First pitch is scheduled for noon and 4 p.m. Saturday.
