Warrior’s Win Streak at 4

Sterling, Kan- Sterling -12               Oklahoma City University -10

The Sterling College Warriors continued their winning streak this past game, beating out the Oklahoma City University Stars in their mid-season, nonconference match. This makes their overall record 14-21 as they charge into the second half of the conference season.

The Stars had an early start with five runs in the first inning. The Warriors had one run in the first inning, made by Luis Morales. After being hit by the pitch, Morales watched Elvis Rumaldo fly out to the center field, then stole second base to get into the scoring position. Ryan Speer singled, allowing Morales to advance to third. Aaron Johnson flew out to the left field on a sacrifice fly, giving Morales time to score. Elijah Howard grounded out in the next play, finishing the inning with a score of 5-1 in favor of the Stars.

The second inning was closely matched as both the Stars and the Warriors scored three runs. For the Warriors, it started when Layne Thacker was hit by the pitch and then advanced to second on a passed ball. Uziel Santos grounded out in his at back as Thacker advanced to third base. Jackson Kawelo walked and Dustin Chartrand was hit by the pitch, loading the bases for the Warriors. Thacker scored on a wild pitch. Morales was walked. Then on Rumaldo's hit, Kawleo scored and Chartrand was caught out at third on the play. Now with two outs, Speer hit a single to left field, allowing Morales to come around and score before Rumaldo was thrown out at third. The Stars still led with the score 8-4 at the end of the second inning.

The Stars scored one run in the third inning. The Warriors did most of their damage in the fifth inning.

After keeping the Stars scoreless, the Warriors put together a 2-out rally for the ages. Johnson got things started with a double to left center. He didn't stay long, as Howard singled up the middle and Johnson scored. Howard advanced to second on an error by the Star's pitcher and Thacker later was walked. It was on Santos' single that Howard scored. Trent Rullman pinch-ran for Santos. Kawelo singled down the right field line, giving time for Thacker to score. The Stars switched their pitcher, but it wasn't enough to stop the Warriors' rhythm. Austin Santiago hit a single, allowing Rullman to score. Morales followed up with a double and Kawelo scored. Morales and Santiago scored off of a single by Rumaldo. Rumaldo then stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch, but was cut short of scoring as Speer struck out looking. The Warriors took the lead 11-9.

The Stars scored one run in the sixth inning. The Warriors tacked on another run in the eighth inning on a Thacker single that scored Rowan, who was pinch-running for Johnson. The inning finished with the score 12-10 for the Warriors.

Three Warriors shared the pitcher's mound this game. Damon Redeker got the start and gave up 8 runs on just 4 hits. Gio Ramos pitched an inning in relief giving up 1 run on 3 hits. Eric Keaton pitched six innings, giving up one run on one hit and striking out four Star batters. Keaton earned the win. Nine different Warriors were credited with hits with Speer and Santiago leading the way with two hits each. Eight Warriors knocked in at least 1 run. Rumaldo did the most damage with 3 RBIs.

The Warriors continue their conference play in a triple header against Avila University in Kansas City, Mo starting on Mar. 7. First pitch is at 2 pm. They then play their last game against Kansas Wesleyan University on Mar. 11 at their home field. The first pitch is at 3 pm.

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.