GOODWELL, OK---The USW Mustang Baseball program kicked off their 2021 season Monday afternoon with a doubleheader versus Oklahoma Panhandle State University. The Mustangs split the doubleheader, losing 4-3 in Game 1 and winning 12-0 in Game 2. The Mustangs record is 1-1 and USW will take on OPSU Tuesday afternoon in another doubleheader. 

"I thought our kids played exactly how they were going to in game 1. They played nervous. I would be lying if I said they wouldn't be. They have not seen anyone from the outside in over 11 months. We were put in some scenarios early, and hopefully it pays off later down the road" said Head Coach Steve Appel

Game 1
OPSU 4---USW 3

USW found themselves with a lead heading to the bottom of the 6th inning, before surrendering a 2-run home run to allow OPSU to tie the game at 3-3. OPSU would walk off the Mustangs via a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the 7th inning. 

AJ Cordova got the start on the hill for USW and tossed a gem. The COVID freshman threw 5 innings allowing 2 hits, 1 earned run and struck out 5. 

Game 2
USW 12---OPSU 0

The Mustangs came out swinging in Game 2 as they thumped the Aggies 12-0. USW had 12 hits in the game, as 8 out of 9 starters had a hit in the game. Caden Ledbetter, Jesus Baldonado, Jacob Harris and Kevin Rase each had 2 hits in the game. Rase and Ledbetter each had 3 RBIs to go along with their 2 hits. 

Jacob Chavarria got the start for the Mustangs and looked great in his 4 innings of work. Bo Sims came in relief and allowed 2 hits in 2 innings of work. True freshman Caden Davis finished out the seventh with 1 inning of work and 1 strikeout. 

"I'm glad our guys responded the way they did in Game 2. It still wasn't clean, but they played with a bit of a chip on their shoulders. We were able to put guys on, put them in motion, and show the guys we believed in them as coaches offensively. I think that took some pressure off them. We also played well defensively and pitched it well. Overall, our offensive will continue to get better. No doubt we will get better all around. We are young and are starting arms showed glimpses off what they can do when they get to full length. We have to remember our guys reported back two weeks later and had basically no team practice in the fall. They will continue to mold and grow as one." said Head Coach Steve Appel.