STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College fell in a high-scoring contest to Oklahoma City University, with a final score of 18-17 on Tuesday, April 7. Sterling managed to score nine runs in the seventh inning, but OCU’s four-run ninth inning secured the victory.
The Stars opened the game with a strong first inning, as Aiden Van Rensum homered to center field, driving in three runs to put them ahead 3–0. Sterling responded with Matthew Garcia walking and eventually scoring on Jackson Harding‘s single through the left side, narrowing the gap to 3–1 after the first inning.
In the second inning, Van Rensum struck again with another three-run homer, extending the Stars’ lead to 6–1. Sterling’s offense remained quiet in the bottom of the inning, unable to produce any runs.
The Warriors rallied in the fourth inning, with Mateo Castro doubling to center field to drive in two runs. Ezavien Campos scored on a wild pitch, and Chuck Lang‘s groundout brought home another run, reducing the deficit to 7–5 by the end of the inning.
The fifth inning saw Sterling add another run with Imanol Ramos doubling down the left field line, bringing Nehemiah House home. The Stars countered with three runs, pushing their lead to 10–6 after five innings.
Sterling’s offense erupted in the seventh inning. Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas led off with a homer, and Lang’s grand slam highlighted a nine-run inning, giving Sterling a 15–14 lead.
The eighth inning was quiet as Sterling maintained its one-run lead, but the ninth inning proved decisive. OCU struck with three home runs from Wyatt Pace, Cooper Holtorf and Sammy Ponce, reclaiming the lead. The Warriors managed to score two runs in their half, courtesy of a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly by House, but it was not enough to overtake the Stars, ending the game at 18–17 in favor of OCU.
Tyreek Sherman started for Sterling, pitching 2 innings and allowing six earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, while recording no strikeouts. Zachary Johnston followed with 2 innings of relief, giving up one run despite not allowing any hits, walking four batters. Peyton Fletcher struck out four in his 2 innings, though he yielded four hits and three runs. Eric Villa struggled in 2/3 inning, allowing four earned runs on four hits, including two home runs. Cooper Lovelace provided a brief bright spot with a perfect 1/3 inning, striking out the only batter he faced. Jordan Ramsey pitched 1 inning, conceding one hit and striking out one, while Jason Reed and Stephen Ferguson combined for 1 more inning, with Reed allowing four runs on four hits, including three home runs.
Chuck Lang delivered a notable performance by hitting a home run and driving in five runs, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring. Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas also made an impact with a home run, one hit, and one RBI, crossing the plate twice. Jackson Harding recorded three hits and drove in one run, showcasing his consistency at the plate. Imanol Ramos contributed three hits, including a double, and drove in two runs, adding depth to the team’s offense.
Up next, Sterling (19-20, 13-12) will take on Kansas Wesleyan (32-6, 21-4) in a three-game series on Friday and Saturday, April 10-11 with the first pitch being thrown on Friday at 3 p.m. and a doubleheader starting on Saturday at noon.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
