SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) baseball team open its 2025 campaign on Friday as they hosted the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) at Missions Baseball Academy (MBA). After defeating the Drovers 3-2 to open the series, the Saints fell 10-3 in the nightcap. 

Game One

Devin Benavides got the ball for the Saints on opening day for the second straight season and Benavides recorded two quick outs to open the top of the first frame before giving up a two-out single. Benavides left a Drover baserunner stranded after inducing a groundout to get the Saints out of the top of the first. 

OLLU went down in order the first two innings, but got two men aboard to start the home half of the third when Criztian Delgado and Vincent Banda drew back-to-back walks. Isaac Davila dropped down a perfect bunt and hustled down the line, forcing an errant throw from the Drovers, allowing Delgado to score, giving the Saints a 1-0 advantage. After another walk, this time by Ben Hovda, a single to right field from Drew Saucedo plated Banda and Davila to extend the Saints' lead to 3-0. 

The Drovers took advantage of a hit by pitch in the top of the fourth and eventually scored their first run of the game to make it 3-1. USAO struck again in the fifth frame, but Benavides managed to limit the damage and strand two more Drover baserunners to keep the Saints' lead intact through four and half innings. 

In the sixth inning the Drovers were threatening as they got two runners on base with one out. The back-to-back singles would end the day for Benavides as he would give way to Jack Kalisky. Kalisky made quick work of USAO as he gloved a line drive back up the middle and doubled off the runner at first to end the threat, sending the game to the bottom of the sixth with the score 3-2 in favor of the Saints. 

After three quick outs from the Saints, Kalisky went back out and slammed the door on the Drovers as he retired them in order to secure the OLLU victory. Kalisky earned his first save of the season while Benavides earned the win. 

Game Two

USAO struck early and often in game two. In the top of the first inning the Drovers manufactured a run after taking advantage of an OLLU mishap in the field. The Saints answered in their half of the opening frame when Saucedo and Gavin Machado were each hit by a pitch with one out. After Machado gave way to courtesy runner, Jimmy Valle, a double steal put runners at second and third for OLLU. A groundout to the Drovers shortstop by Kalisky scored Saucedo to even the game at one run apiece. 

The Saints took the lead in the third after Hovda walked and stole second. With two outs and one on, Machado singled through the left side to scored Hovda. The lead did not last long as a two-out double by the Drovers in the fourth evened things back up at two. 

In the bottom of the fourt, Carlos Gusman led things off with a walk and advanced to second after a sacrifice bunt from Banda. Delgado came on to pinch hit and singled to right field, putting runners at the corners for Davila. The Saints regained the lead after Davila singled to centerfield, scoring Gusman. The Saints loaded the bases in the inning after Hovda drew a walk, but a groundout ended the inning with three OLLU baserunners stranded. 

The Drovers busted the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs on three hits, giving them a 6-3 advantage. USAO plated three in the sixth and tacked on another in the seventh to put the game out of reach. 

OLLU starter Donovan Gamez tossed four innings, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out five Drover batters. 

Up Next

The Saints and the Drovers will close out the three-game series tomorrow with a single 9-inning contest. First pitch is slated for 12:00 p.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the OLLU Saints, fans can visit ollusaintsathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Saints news by following @ollusaintsathletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.