HILLSBORO, Kan. — The Tabor College baseball team battled offensively but was unable to overcome an early surge from Ottawa University, falling 21-10 in the series finale on Tuesday.
Ottawa used a big third inning and consistent pressure throughout to secure the win, despite a late push from the Bluejays that cut into the deficit midway through the contest.
Game Flow
Ottawa wasted no time setting the tone, plating three runs in the top of the first inning. Tabor answered in the home half, getting on the board early to make it 3-1 after one.
The Braves added two more runs in the second before breaking the game open in the third inning with an eight-run outburst, extending their lead to 13-1.
After a quiet stretch offensively, the Bluejays showed resilience in the sixth inning. Tabor strung together timely hits and capitalized on opportunities to plate three runs, trimming the deficit to 13-4.
The momentum carried into the seventh, when Tabor erupted for five runs in its most productive inning of the day. The Bluejays used a combination of extra-base hits and disciplined at-bats to pull within 13-9 and put pressure back on Ottawa.
However, Ottawa responded immediately, scoring in each of the final three innings—including a three-run ninth—to halt Tabor's comeback bid and pull away for the 21-10 final.
By the Numbers
- Tabor: 10 runs, 16 hits, 1 error, 16 left on base
- Ottawa: 21 runs, 24 hits, 3 errors, 13 left on base
Tabor's 16-hit performance marked one of its stronger offensive outputs of the series, but the Bluejays were unable to match Ottawa's efficiency with runners in scoring position.
Tabor Offensive Breakdown
The Bluejays saw production throughout the lineup, with multiple hitters recording multi-hit performances as part of the 16-hit effort. Tabor consistently put runners on base but stranded 16, which proved costly in keeping pace with Ottawa's scoring output.
Key contributions came during the sixth and seventh innings, where the middle of the order delivered several RBI opportunities to fuel the comeback attempt.
Pitching Summary
Tabor's pitching staff faced a tough challenge against a hot Ottawa lineup that tallied 24 hits on the afternoon. The Braves applied pressure early in counts and capitalized on scoring opportunities, particularly during their eight-run third inning.
Despite the final score, Tabor's bullpen provided innings of relief down the stretch, helping limit further damage and give the offense a chance to respond.
Key Moments
- Top 3rd: Ottawa's eight-run inning broke the game open and created a double-digit deficit.
- Bottom 6th: Tabor began to chip away with a three-run frame.
- Bottom 7th: A five-run inning brought the Bluejays within striking distance at 13-9.
- Late Innings: Ottawa answered with runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth to secure the win.
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taborbluejays.com.
Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).
