EDMOND, Okla. - The Lincoln Blue Tigers gave up runs in bunches Saturday in dropping a doubleheader to the Central Oklahoma Bronchos.
The Bronchos scored 10 runs in the third inning of the first game in a 15-4 victory, then used a seven-run seventh to close out a 14-2 decision in the nightcap.
The Blue Tigers scored single runs in the top of the first and third innings of the first game to take a 2-0 lead. James Earleywine singled home Zach Roberts in the first, then Earleywine scored on a sacrifice fly by Logan Smith in the third.
But the Bronchos hit double-digits in the bottom of the inning to take the lead for good.
Lincoln's other runs came on a two-run home run by Ben Stewart in the fifth.
Earleywhine finished with two of Lincoln's four hits in the game.
Zach York (0-4) took the loss, working 2 1/3 innings. He allowed eight runs, all earned, on six hits and four walks. He struck out one. Gus Goodnight pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs, three earned, on four hits and two walks. He also recorded a strikeout.
In the second game, the Bronchos led 6-0 after two innings to cruise to the sweep.
Lincoln scored both of its runs in the seventh on a single by Nick Lovell that played Joe Jungmeyer and Smith. Six Blue Tigers had one hit each in the contest.
Nate Lueckenhoff took the loss. He pitched four innings, allowing seven runs, all earned, on eight hits and two walks while striking out three. John Bisges pitched the final 2 2/3 innings of the run-shortened game, giving up seven earned runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout.
Lincoln (1-15 overall, 0-12 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) will play a four-game series starting Friday against Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla. Central Oklahoma is now 16-4 and 12-4.