BETHANY, Okla. - The Crimson Storm wrapped up a midweek non-conference matchup against Oklahoma Baptist on Tuesday afternoon, falling in a tight one at home, 8-7.

Southern Nazarene (5-24, 1-17 GAC) came out swinging early, putting pressure on Oklahoma Baptist (15-13, 8-10 GAC) right away. The Storm struck first in the opening inning when Blake Brinkmeyer launched a two-run homer to give SNU a quick 2-0 lead. They kept it going in the second as Aiden McCullough added a two-run shot to push the advantage to 4-2.

Oklahoma Baptist answered right back with a pair of solo home runs in the second to even things up, and the back-and-forth battle continued through the middle innings. After the Bison tied it at 4-4 in the fifth, the Storm responded when Kane Springer ripped an RBI double to put SNU back on top, 5-4.

The game stayed tight late, with both teams trading chances. Oklahoma Baptist tied it again in the sixth, and the score remained locked at 5-5 heading into the final innings.
In the ninth, the Bison broke through with a three-run frame to take an 8-5 lead, using a triple, a double, and timely hitting to create separation.

Southern Nazarene didn't go away quietly. In the bottom of the ninth, Josh Bay delivered an RBI triple, and Springer followed with an RBI single to cut the lead to one. The Storm brought the tying run to third, but Oklahoma Baptist was able to record the final out and hold on for the win.

Springer led the way for SNU with four hits and two RBIs, while Brinkmeyer and McCullough each added home runs and two RBIs apiece. Bay also had a strong day at the plate, finishing with two hits, including a triple.

Next Up
The Crimson Storm will turn their attention back to conference play as they travel to Alva, Oklahoma to take on Northwestern Oklahoma State. The two teams are set to play a single game on Friday, March 27 at 6:00 pm and a doubleheader Saturday, March 28 starting at 1:00 pm