THE RUNDOWN
After losing the first meeting two weeks ago, DBU (17-8, 4-2 C-USA) flipped the script to beat No. 13 Oklahoma State (20-6, 4-2 Big 12), 8-0, at Horner Ballpark. The Patriots have won 10 of their last 13 games.
 
DBU started the scoring on Tuesday with a two-run first inning. Nate Rombach doubled to put runners on first and second with one out.
 
Third-base runner Miguel Santos became the first tally on a wild pitch, and Ethan Mann grounded into a fielder's choice to push across Nate Rombach.
 
In the third frame, two singles and a walk loaded the bases for Mann, who scored Nathan Humphreys and Rombach on a double to right field.
 
Grant Jay followed Mann by driving in Mann from third on a groundout, stretching the lead to 5-0.
 
Zach Heaton had the best start of his season. The redshirt senior worked five scoreless innings with two hits allowed, two walks, and seven strikeouts.
 
Heaton was relieved by Alec Baker and Matt Bollenbacher. The relief arms combined for an additional eight strikeouts and surrendered only one hit without a run or walk.
 
The Patriots tacked on an additional three runs with a two-run homer by Ethan Mann in the fifth and an RBI single off the bat of Kodie Kolden to register the game's final run for an 8-0 DBU victory.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Friday was the first time Oklahoma State was shutout since last season (4-0 loss to Texas).
- Noah Boughton reached base in all four plate appearances (1-1, double, 3 walks).
- DBU held Oklahoma State to a season-low three hits.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
3 - Ethan Mann has hit three home runs in the last five games.
4 - The Patriots had four hits with two outs.
7 - Zach Heaton tied his career-high seven strikeouts.
 
UP NEXT
DBU goes to Ruston, Louisiana, this weekend for a Conference USA series. Game one is on Friday at 6:00 pm. Read Full Article