Alva Review-Courier -

MONTICELLO, Ark. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State baseball team took the field with the Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello for the series finale today and battled throughout, but came away with a 9-5 setback.

The Rangers sent Brandon Nesseralla to the mound for the start where he went 3.2 innings, giving up six runs in the outing. The other three hurlers to see game action for the visitors were Matthew Bickford (1.1 inn.), Nick Llorente (2.0 inn.) and David Sanchez (1.0 inn.).

Leading the way at the dish today was designated hitter Cooper Stanley, who was 2-for-3 on the afternoon with two runs scored and three RBIs. The other three Rangers to collect hits were Garrett Douglas (1-for-4), Arturo Castro (1-for-3, HR, 2RBIs) and TJ Kassner (1-for-4).

Each team put one man aboard apiece in the first inning of play, but neither converted, going scoreless through the first, but the score wouldn't remain like that for long.

Monticello opened up the bottom of the second with a walk, and they were able to bring him around on a single up the middle, which ultimately scored two runs, making it an early 2-0 lead for the Weevils.

The hosts tacked on another in the third, but the Rangers fought back in the top of four as Stanley smashed a ball over the right centerfield fence, plating Pat Delano as well to make it a one-run ballgame.

UAM had something to say about that in their very next at bat, however, as they posted three more runs on the scoreboard to make it a four-run game at 6-2.

After a scoreless fifth inning for both teams, Northwestern struck again in the sixth, where Stanley brought home Delano for a second time on a fielder's choice, but that would be all the guests could muster in the inning.

For the second straight inning following a Ranger score, the Weevils answered again with two more runs of their own, making it a commanding 8-3 advantage.

Monticello added their final run in the eighth, making it 9-3, but the Rangers in their final at bat would plate two more on a homer by Castro to left field, scoring Stanley in the process.

The two runs would be all the Rangers could bring around in their final plate appearance, however, falling 9-5.

Up Next

The Rangers will hit the road on Wednesday afternoon where they will head to Hays, Kansas, to conclude the series finale with Fort Hays State, who the Rangers have beaten on the previous three occasions this year.