Published: April 28, 2008 06:00 pm            

Savage Storm shuts out Tigers

Ada — East Central University managed just five hits off Southeastern Oklahoma State pitching as the Savage Storm rolled to a 9-0 victory over the host Tigers Sunday to complete a four-game Lone Star Conference baseball series sweep to wrap up the 2008 season at Tiger Field.

ECU finished the season at 19-37 overall and 16-28 in the LSC. The Tigers claimed 10 more wins over the 2007 season in showing vast improvement.

With the sweep, SOSU improved to 34-20 and 31-13 and advances to the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament next weekend in Abilene, Texas.

Savage Storm starter Nathan Johnson (4-4) worked seven complete innings for the win as he allowed just three hits, walked two and struck out four.

ECU senior southpaw starter Stephen Spears (1-7) was charged with the loss after throwing 5 1/3 innings in his career finale.

Two other Tiger seniors – Kyle Butler and Dave Barnhart – pitched in relief. After his pitching appearance, Butler moved to the catcher’s spot and went 1-for-2 from the plate with a single.

ECU’s only other senior Derrick Romines, a pitcher, saw playing time in left field late in the game and also hit a double to right field.

However, the Tigers were unable to mount much offense on the day as Clint Bowker, Tyler Gillum and Matt Smith had a hit apiece.

SOSU’s Randall Clay went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer, his 16th blast of the season, and two runs scored while Scott Hancock and Ryan Bowen also collected three hits each as the Savage Storm pounded out 15 for the game.

The Savage Storm scored three runs in the first before adding two unearned scores in the second and received a four-run fifth, highlighted by Clay’s three-run shot.

        

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