Sterling Swept in Series with Braves

Ottawa, Kan. – Always a tough place to play is Ottawa University and after poor weather delayed the games, the Warriors could feel the pressure. Sterling lost in all three games of the season series to Ottawa by scores of 13-3, 7-5, and 11-6.

Game 1 – Sterling 3, Ottawa 13

Game one started well with David Lira punching out 4 of the first six batters but things quickly got out of hand after that. Ottawa scored in each inning from the third to the seventh, while the Warriors were only able to plate three runs in the sixth inning.

Lira's start was fairly short going just four and a third innings. Ottawa scored 8 runs that were credited to him, just three were earned. The pitcher only gave up four hits, but gave up eight walks. Aaron Elsasser was the relief giving up 5 runs in two and a third innings.

Luis Morales and Eduardo Tarafa continued to be consistent points in Sterling's offense, each with two hits in the game. Andrew Dutro, Nate Heffline, and Eric Beyale each knocked in a run.

Game 2 – Sterling 5, Ottawa 7

Sterling had a much better chance in game two, but they found themselves playing from behind once again. They scored the first run in the second inning before giving up three runs later on in the same inning. Sterling tied it up in the fourth, but gave up another run in the bottom of the inning. Ottawa pulled away with three more in the fifth. Sterling tried to put together a rally but could only muster two of the four runs they needed.

Andrew Mason was the starter for Sterling going five innings and gave up seven runs and struck out five. Tyler Duffey pitched a nearly flawless inning giving up one hit and striking out one. Tarafa continued to carry the hot bat in the series accumulating three of Sterling's six hits in the game. Two of his three hits were a double and homerun.

Game 3 – Sterling 6, Ottawa 11

The late innings in game three belonged to Ottawa once again. Sterling got on the board early, but could only hold the lead for so long. Defensive mistakes added up for Sterling as they collected seven errors in the Sunday afternoon matinee. Ottawa did not get on the board until the fourth inning, but they scored often after that.

Cipriano Rivera pitched four and a third innings and got the loss. He gave up seven runs on ten hits and struck out three batters. Duffey pitched again in relief but was not as effective as on day one. Dustin Chartrand came in for Sterling to finish things off and struck out three in just under two innings of work.

Luis Morales broke out with a  four-hit performance. No other Warrior had more than one hit. Heffline knocked in three runs for the Warriors and Tyler Gates delivered 2.

With the series loss, Sterling falls to 10-10 on the season and 4-5 in KCAC play. They play again Tuesday afternoon at Southwestern College. First pitch is scheduled for 2 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.BSB