Ottawa, Kan.—The Ottawa Braves used a 12-run second inning to seize control early, and the University of Saint Mary baseball team fell 20-2 in a seven-inning contest Wednesday, February 18^th at Alumni Park in Ottawa, Kansas.

The Braves struck for two runs in the bottom of the first, then broke the game open an inning later with a barrage of extra-base hits and patient at-bats. Ottawa finished with 20 runs on 13 hits and 11 walks, adding four more runs in the third and single runs in the fourth and fifth. USM, which briefly cut into the deficit with a two-run second inning, was limited to four hits and stranded seven runners.

Saint Mary's best offensive frame came in the top of the second, when the Spires pushed across both of their runs to make it a 2-2 game before Ottawa answered. The Spires showed discipline at the plate throughout the afternoon, drawing five walks and being hit by six pitches to generate base runners against Ottawa starter Cunningham, but unfortunately USM could not come up with enough timely hits to keep pace with the Braves' explosive afternoon.

Ottawa's decisive second inning proved to be the difference. A three-run double down the left-field line by Freeman and a grand slam-style four-RBI homer by Ryan highlighted the 12-run outburst that swung the momentum firmly to the home side. The Braves continued to extend the margin with a two-run homer to center from Rodriguez in the third, followed by solo homers and run-scoring hits in the later innings to stretch the lead.

On the mound, Saint Mary starter Cooper Stein was tagged with the loss as Ottawa's lineup capitalized on traffic on the bases. Despite the final score, the Spires' staff battled through 174 pitches on the day and recorded four strikeouts against a lineup that has shown the ability to score quickly. USM defense committed just one error behind the pitching staff, matching Ottawa's total in the field.

Offensively, the Spires finished with two runs on four hits, with production spread throughout the lineup. Maverick Rockers and Brady Heinen would bring in the RBIs on the outing. The Spire hitters consistently found ways to reach base, but Ottawa's pitching worked out of multiple jams to limit the damage, stranding seven Spires on the bases. The combination of missed opportunities and Ottawa's power at the plate ultimately created too much separation for a late rally.

Spire baseball will be back at home this Friday, February 20^th and Saturday, February 21^st for a home series against #12 ranked KCAC foe the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles. First pitch in Friday's single game is set for 2:00 p.m.