EDMOND, Okla. - The Crimson Storm headed to Central Oklahoma for a midweek non-conference matchup with the Bronchos. A Southern Nazarene comeback fell short as UCO claimed the midweek victory 8-5.

The Storm (10-25, 5-16 GAC) looked to get back on track in their midweek meeting with Central Oklahoma (28-7, 14-6 MIAA) who has spent some time this season in the ranks of the top-25. 

The Bronchos grabbed the first runs of the contest after they blasted a three-shot over the left-center wall to grab a 3-0 lead. Tyler Reed then took over on the mound for starting pitcher Oliver Wilson as he delivered a scoreless frame to keep the Bronchos' bats at bay. 

SNU began to make some noise in the top of the third as they plated their first run of the contest thanks to a sac fly from Jacob Martinez, cutting the deficit to two. That would be all UCO allowed as they collected the final out of the inning.

A few walks loaded the bases for UCO as the Storm looked to make a pitching change. Landon Kinder took over looking to work out of a no out, bases loaded jam. Kinder would get out of the inning allowing just one run to cross home, extending the Broncho lead to 4-1.

UCO handed the Storm a quick inning as they retired the side to begin the top of the fourth. On the other hand, the Central Oklahoma offense continued to stay hot as they quickly got runners in scoring position. A two-run double and two-run home run pushed the Bronchos' lead to seven and pushed SNU to make another pitching change. 

Parker Presley took over on the bump as he recorded two quick outs to end the inning. The Storm looked to chip away and did just that as they plated one with a bases loaded walk to trail 8-2. 

The Storm continued to tack on runs as Chase Hudson singled to left center to plate one, cutting the deficit to five. SNU would go on to plate one more run after a bases loaded walk sent one runner home.  

Presley continued to dominate the Bronchos on the mound handing them another scoreless frame. Southern Nazarene continued to chip away as Blake Brinkmeyer hit a solo blast over the right field wall to cut the lead to 8-5 in the eighth. 

The Bronchos were unable to respond in the top of the inning, leaving the Storm with one final chance to stay alive. UCO retired the side and claimed the 8-5 victory over the Crimson Storm.

Next Up

The Crimson Storm will return to Feland Field to host the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm for a three-game GAC series. The two squads are set to play a single game on Friday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m. and a doubleheader on Saturday, April 6 at noon.