Baseball

Cowboys Ranked No. 5 in NJCAA Baseball Poll

Connors State has moved six spots from No. 11 to No. 5 in the latest NJCAA Baseball poll it was announced Wednesday.

The Cowboys (49-9) will host the NJCAA South Central District Tournament beginning Friday with Maple Woods of Missouri (25-25) and Delgado (46-9) of New Orleans.

Delgado is ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA poll, receiving 78 of 10 first place votes for 196 total points. Connors State received 145 points. Iowa Western(43-12)  is ranked No. 2 and received 2 first place votes, while No.9 ranked Cowley County (45-11) received 1 first place vote. Maple Woods is unranked.

Maple Woods and Delgado will open tournament play at noon, Friday followed by Connors and Maple Woods at 3:30 and Connors –Delgado at 7 p.m. All games are played at Biff Thompson Field.

NJCAA RANKINGS

1, Delgado (46-9). 2, Iowa Western (43-12). 3, Spartanburg Methodist (42-13). 4, Navarro (41-15). 5, Connors State (49-9). 6, Cochise College (46-16). 7, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (44-12). 8, Midland College (45-13). 9, Cowley County (45-11). 10, Tallahassee Community College (46-10). 11, Western Nevada (41-18). 12, Crowder (47-13). 13, Walters State (35-16). 14, Middle Georgia State (39-13). 15, Potomac State (38-14). 16, Northeastern JC (40-19). 17, College of Southern Nevada (40-17). 18, Grayson College (38-17). 19, Kaskaskia College (36-10). ASA College (34-8).

Connors Plays Maple Woods in Opening Round of South Central

The opening round of the NJCAA South Central District Baseball Tournament at Biff Thompson Field on the campus of Connors State College will begin at noon Friday, May 17.

The double elimination tournament will open with Maple Woods Community College of Missouri (25-25) playing Delgado Community College of New Orleans (46-9) at noon.

Connors State (49-9) will then play Maple Woods at 3:30 p.m., followed by Connors playing Delgado at 7 p.m.

Elimination game will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday and an if necessary game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.

The winner of the South Central District advances to the NJCAA College World Series in Grand Junction beginning May 25^th.

Delgado, Maple Woods to Battle Connors for South Central Title

WARNER ---Connors State College will host the NJCAA South Central Regional as champions of the Region II beginning Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 at Biff Thompson.

Also advancing to the double elimination tournament is Region 16 champion Maple Woods Community College of Missouri and Delgado Community College of New Orleans, La.

Maple Woods upset No. 6 Crowder, Mo. In the Region 6 title game 9-6. The Monarchs enter the tournament with a 25-25 record.

Delgado defeated Baton Rouge Community College 5-2 and enters South Central play with a 46-9 record and No. 3 national ranking.

The Cowboys are No. 11 in the NJCAA poll and enter tournament play with a 49-9 record. It will be Connors first appearance in the South Central since 2008 when they took the title and advanced to the College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo.

The winner advances to the NJCAA College World Series in Grand Junction, which begins May 25^th.

Regional brackets and times will be announced later in the week.

Cowboys "Grind Out" Win over Seminole for Region II Crown

Just like they have all season, the Connors State Cowboys have grind out victories. Sunday afternoon at Hinch Field inJenks was no different.

The Cowboys rallied from a 2-0 deficit with six runs in the seventh inning to win the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament 6-2 over Seminole State College.

“I can’t be more proud of these guys,” said Cowboys head coach Perry Keith. “We’ve done this all year, just a grind it out ball club.  We got behind 2-0, and I knew we would come back.

“Our guys just don’t panic. This has been an outstanding group to coach. Just a bunch of grinders, nothing fancy.”

The victory sends the No. 11-ranked Cowboys into the NJCAA South Central District beginning Friday at Connors State’s Biff Thompson Field. The double elimination tournament runs through Sunday and will involve the Cowboys and the champions from Regions 16, 23 whose’s finals were late Sunday night.

It will be the Cowboys first appearance in the South Central District since 2008 when they took the championship and advanced to the NJCAA College World Series.

CSC’s starter Colton Strother (5-2), sophomore from Broken Arrows threw seven innings gave up a home run in the fifth and another run in the top of the seventh when his teammates’ bats came alive in their half of the inning.

Strother scattered five hits, struck out four and walked three in getting the win. Keith then called on closer Justin Ferrell to work the final two innings facing seven Seminole batters striking out two and giving up two hits.

“This is so exciting, I’ve been dreaming about this championship game all year,” said Strother. “We’ve worked hard for this. I just wanted to come in and throw strikes and no walks.

“I knew I had a good defense behind me and a good offense ahead. The seventh inning was huge for us. It took the pressure off,” said Strother.

The Cowboys sent 11 batters to the plate in the seventh and pounded out six base hits. The big blow of the inning was Phil Diedrick’s two-run RBI single down the right field line. Diedrick’s single gave the Cowboys a 6-2 lead.

Diedrick, who went 3-for-4 at the plate said he got his pitch and just “drove it where it was thrown.”

“This is a good year to continue my sophomore year,” said Diedrick. “I got the pitch I was looking for. I knew left on left he (Jordan Watson) would throw a breaking ball. I was trying to get something up so I could elevate it for a fly ball to get a run in.”

Diedrick opened the seventh inning with a single to right field followed by Victor Claudio’s base hit to center field. After Eli Roundtree flew out to the shortstop, Jiro Morales drove home Diedrick with Connors first run, to make it a 2-1 game.

Erick Kirkpatrick then got a base hit to keep the bases loaded. Dalton Daniels ground ball to Seminole’s second baseman Melvin Gray was mishandled, allowing Claudio to score tying the game at 2-2.

Christian Perez then laced a shot to centerfield that brought home Dalton with the go ahead run. Keith then hit an opposite field single to left field. On the play Chance Sugg, running for Kirkpatrick was thrown out at the plate for the second out of the inning.

Yariel Gonzalez walked, setting the stage for Diedrick’s second hit of the game, which plated two more runs.

“I knew we were going to break through,” said Diedrick. “We are that kind of team, a grind it out team. It was only a matter of time.”

The victory was Perry’s first win over Seminole head Coach Lloyd (Zero) Simmons in Region II Tournament action.

“We’ve had a lot of battles,” said Perry. “Lloyd and I are just country boys at work. Just baseball guys.”

Concerning the pitching performance of Strother, Perry said, “What we got out of Colton was just great. If you would have told me he would held them with zeroes for five innings, then do what he did.

“We were hoping to get 5 or 6 innings from him and then give it to Ferrell. Colton just kept going and then we popped that lead.

“We got our bats going, That’s what this club has done all year,” said Keith.

Looking ahead at the South Central, Keith said “We’ll enjoy this till midnight then just be who we are…grinders.”

Named to the Region II All-Tournament team from Connors was Phil Diedrick, Yariel Gonzalez, Christian Perez, Kelvin Rivas and Colton Strother.

Cowboys’ head coach Perry Keith was named the Region II Coach of the Year.

Cowboys Pop NEO 14-10, Advance to Region II Title Game

JENKS – Connors State pounded out 18 base hits en route to a 14-10 victory over Northeastern A&M Saturday at Hinch Field and a return to the NJCAA Region II Baseball championship game Sunday afternoon.

The Cowboys (48-9) will play for the title at 1 p.m. at Hinch Field against an opponent yet to be determined.

Eastern State and Seminole State met in an elimination game and the winner then played Northeastern A&M late Saturday, with the winner advancing to play the Cowboys. Whoever reaches the title game against the Cowboys they must win twice for the crown. An if necessary game would be played at 4 p.m.

It will be the Cowboys second consecutive year to reach the championship round, having lost to Eastern State, who is the defending champion.

“This team just grinds,” said Connors head coach Perry Keith, adding, “That’s what we’ve done all year. “It’s never one guy; we have all nine guys contributing. We are who we are in the tournament. They don’t panic. We make people throw strikes and we put it in play.

“I happy to be in the championship round,” said Keith. When asked if he had a preference to play for the title he said, “No not really. The enemy is in the mirror and it will take care of itself.”

The winner of the Region II Championship will host the South Central District beginning Friday and runs through Sunday. It will be a double elimination tournament.

Christian Perez led the Connors hitting assault with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, which included a 3-run homer in the second inning, which game the Cowboys a 3-2 advantage, a lead they never relinquished. Perez finished with four RBIs on the day.

Korey Keith was 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and Yariel Gonzalez with two hits and 2 RBIs along with Eli Roundtree and Erik Kirkpatrick with two hits each.

Connors starting pitcher Josh Hammill remains unbeaten at 7-0 as he went five innings. He left the game with the Cowboys holding a 7-3 lead. Cowboys then called to the bullpen four other times to preserve the win.

Daniel Concepcion threw four innings, Sawyer Bernard 1/3 of an inning and Andrew Simonetti 2/3 of an inning.

Cowboys broke the game open in the sixth inning when they sent 12 batters to the plate, pounding out four base hits, which resulted in seven runs crossing the plate for a 13-3 Connors advantage.

The Cowboys hoped to run-rule the Norsemen in the seventh, however, NEO scored three in the top of the seventh to make it a 13-6 game. Connors added another run in the eighth and NEO added to their total with one the eighth and three more in the ninth.

The Norsemen had 10 base hits against Connors’ four pitchers, who only issued four walks and struck out six.

Rivas Strikes Out 12, Cowboys Oust Rose State in Region Play

JENKS –Kelvin Rivas struck out 12 batters and worked out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth inning in pitching the No. 11-ranked Connors Cowboys to a 5-3 victory over Rose State in the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament Friday night at Hinch Field.

Rivas scattered six hits in posting his eighth win of the season against two losses. He walked four in his eight innings on the mound. Justin Ferrell pitched the ninth inning to preserve the victory.

Cowboys pounded out nine base hits with Yariel Gonzalez, Victor Claudio leading the offensive attack with two hits each. Rose State closes the year at 28-25.

The Cowboys (47-9) will meet Northeastern A&M at noon today in a winner’s bracket game. The Norsemen (32-15) advanced by defeating Eastern Oklahoma State 11-0. The Cowboys and NEO split the four-game series during the regular season.

Seminole State (37-17) ousted Arkansas Baptist (27-31) earlier in the day 15-4 and will play Eastern State at 3:30 p.m. in an elimination game.

Rivas got off to a shaky start in the first inning as the Raiders struck for two base hits and a 2-0 lead. Derek Jones and Joe Black reached on back-to-back base hits and scored on a double by Garrett Crain.

Claudio connected on his first home run of the season with a blast over the left center field fence in the second inning to make it a 2-1 game.

Connors used one base hit in the third inning to take a 3-2 lead. Korey Keith’s single into right center field plated Dalton Daniels, who had reached first when he was hit on pitch by Dillon Endecott. Christian Perez reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on Yariel Gonzalez’ fielder’s choice.

Cowboys increased its lead to 5-2 in the fifth inning when Gonzalez’ base hit to center field was misplayed by the center fielder that allowed Dalton Daniels and Keith to score. Daniels had reached on a fielder’s choice and Keith walked.

Rose State’s Ryan Bottger connected for a home run against Rivas in the top of the sixth to make it a 5-3 game.

Cowboys Rally Past Arkansas Baptist to Advance in Region Play

JENKS –Christian Perez drove a line shot down the left field line to score Jiro Morales from second base in the last of the ninth to lift the 11-ranked Connors Cowboys to a come from behind 11-10 victory over Arkansas Baptist in a first round game of the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament at Hinch Field Friday.

The game, which started at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and was postponed due to rain, lightning at 12:15 Friday morning,  was resumed in the sixth inning at noon Friday, in which the Cowboys trailed 8-5.

The win sends Cowboys (46-9) into the winner’s bracket against Rose State Friday night. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.; however, the tournament was approximately one hour behind in play.

Arkansas Baptist (27-30) next met Seminole State (36-17) in an elimination game. Eastern State (25-28) and Northeastern A&M (31-15) were also playing ahead of the Connors Rose State game.

Cowboys cut the Arkansas Baptist lead to 8-7 in the seventh on an RBI single by Phil Diedrick that scored Kory Keith, and Diedrick scored on an infield out by Eli Roundtree.

Connors took the lead in the eighth when Yariel Gonzalez’ unloaded his 11^th home run of the year, a 3-run shot over the left center field wall for a 10-8 Cowboys’ lead.

Gonzalez’ blast scored Dalton Daniels, who singled, Keith, who had reached on a walk.

However, the Buffaloes tied the game 10-10 in the top of the ninth on a two-run homer by Turner Rockwell.

That set the stage for Christian’s heroics.  Following an infield ground out by Roundtree, Jiro Morales walked, followed by a single to center field by Erik Kirkpatrick. Daniels then struck out and Pérez followed with his base hit to left field, scoring Morales.

Daniel Concepcion started on the mound for the Cowboys in the seventh, but was relieved by Justin Ferrell (4-1) in the ninth, who got the win.

Connors, Ark. Baptist Region Game Postpone, Resumes Today

JENKS ----After three rain delays and numerous lightning strikes in the area near Hinch Field, the opening round game of the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament between Connors State and Arkansas Baptist was postponed in the bottom of the sixth inning at 12:15 a.m. Friday.

Arkansas Baptist was leading the No. 11-ranked Cowboys 8-5. The game which was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, did not get under way until 8:30 p.m.

The game will be resumed at noon Friday with Erik Kirkpatrick at the plate to open the inning. The winner of the game will advance to a 7 p.m. game Saturday against Rose State, who was defeated 8-1 by Northeastern A&M in a first round game.

The loser of the Connors and Arkansas Baptist game will play 45 minutes after the conclusion of their noon game against Seminole State, who was defeated by Eastern Oklahoma State 11-5.

Eastern State and NEO will play in a winner’s bracket game set for 3:30 p.m.

Cowboys struck first when Christian Perez scored on a double play ground ball by Yariel Gonzalez in the first inning. Perez reached base on a walk and raced to third base on Korey Keith’s base hit down the right field line. Gonzalez then hit into a double play which allowed Perez to score.

Arkansas Baptist answered with two runs in the top of the second, a two-run double by Ken Cummings to the left field wall that scored Deion Smith, who singled and a walk to Mike Maddux for a 2-1 Buffaloes lead.

Jiro Morales’ fourth home run of the season gave the Cowboys a 3-2 lead in the second. Morales’ blast over the left field wall, scored Eli Roundtree, who reached safely on a walk.

Connors’ starting pitcher Josh Hammill gave up his second home run of the game in the third inning. Arkansas Baptist’s Turner Rockwell hit an opposite field 3-run blast over the right field wall, giving the Buffaloes a 5-3 lead. Rod Lewis and Pat Castleberry scored on the homer, as they reached on a walk and a Connors error.

Daniels made it a 5-4 game in the fourth inning when his base hit to right field scored Roundtree. Roundtree singled to open the inning.

The Buffaloes chased Hammill in the fifth inning as they took a 7-4 lead on two base hits. Zayne Dougan came in relief and worked out of a bases loaded jam to put down the Arkansas Baptist threat. However on his first pitch he hit Dylan Wooten which forced in a run.

With two outs in the fifth inning the Cowboys cut into the Buffaloes’ lead when Roundtree singled home Phil Diedrick to make it a 7-5 game. Diedrick singled to center field and moved to third base on Victor Claudio’s base hit to left centerfield.

Arkansas Baptist responded with a run in the sixth on a two sacrifice hits for an 8-5 advantage.

Cowboys Named All-Region and Gold Glove Winners

A total of 11 Connors State Cowboys have been named to the NJCAA Region II All-Region Baseball team and five were named to the Rawlings Gold Glove first team, it was announced Monday.

Selected to the first team All-Region were infielder Yariel Gonzalez, pitcher Josh Hammill and designated hitter Korey Keith.

Second team selections were infielder Dalton Daniels, pitcher Kelvin Rivas and catcher Jiro Morales.

Named honorable mention were infielder Victor Claudio, outfielders Eli Roundtree, Phil Diedrick and pitchers Daniel Concepcion and Justin Ferrell.

Selected as Rawlings Gold Glove first team members were catcher Jiro Morales, first baseman Korey Keith, second baseman Victor Claudio and outfielders Eli Roundtree and Phil Diedrick.

Gonzalez hit for a .445 average with 10 home runs and 62 runs-batted-in. Keith batted .420 at the plate with 7 home runs and 52 RBIs with a fielding average of .995 committing just two errors this season.

Hammill was perfect on the mound for the Cowboys posting a 6-0 record, for a 2.63 earned run average. He struck out 67, and walked 12 in 54 2/3 innings on the mound.

Daniels was a .382 hitter with 6 home runs and 44 RBIs, while Morales batted .3773 home runs and 25 RBIs. Behind the plate he had a fielding percentage of .994 with only 2 errors, and throwing out three runners.

Rivas on the mound posted a 7-2 record with an ERA of 2.18, striking out 66, walking 21 in 53 2/3 innings on the mound.

In winning a golden glove Claudio at second base had a fielding percentage of .975, on 4 errors; while outfielders Roundtree and Diedrick were .984 and 1,000 for the season.

Cowboys Split with Arkansas Baptist in Season Finale

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--Connors State completed its regular season with a doubleheader split with identical scores of 8-4 against Arkansas Baptist Sunday in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

The twin bill split leaves the No. 13-ranked Cowboys with a 45-9 record heading into Thursday’s opening round of the NJCAA Region II baseball tournament at Hinch Field in Jenks. Connors will have the top seed in the double elimination tournament.

Daniel Concepcion improved to 7-1 with a complete-game victory in the opener at Arkansas Baptist, scattering six hits while striking out two.

Victor Claudio had three hits for Connors, Korey Keith had two hits and Dalton Daniels hit his fifth home run of the season, a two-run blast in the third inning.

Game two saw Jordan Romano (5-3) absorb the loss while Tyler Fourkiller had two RBIs and Claudio driving home one run.

Cowboys Clinch OCAC Baseball Title; Top Seed in Region II Play

Connors State clinched the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference championship and the top seed in  the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament with its doubleheader sweep of Arkansas Baptist on Saturday at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys snared 20-1 and 11-1 wins over the Buffaloes. The No. 13-ranked Cowboys are 44-8  for year and 11-1 in OCAC play.

The Cowboys had 21 hits in the opener. Dalton Daniels, who was 6-for-8 on the day, had three hits. Eli Rountree had four hits and his seventh home run of the year. Yariel Gonzalez hit his 10th home run.

Josh Hammill (6-0) had a complete-game three hitter, striking out 10.

Phil Deidrich hit his sixth home run in the second game. Kelvin Rivas (7-2) had another complete-game win on a two-hitter, striking out eight.

Cowboys Hold Off Carl Albert, 10-7

WARNER  --Andrew Simonett, Zayne Dougan and Justin Ferrell in relief of starting pitcher Jordan Romano, shut down Carl Albert over the final 5 1/3 innings as No. 13 Connors State defeated the Vikings 10-7 in a non-conference baseball clash Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Cowboys , 42-8, returns to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday, traveling to Little Rock, Ark. for a doubleheader against Arkansas Baptist.

Connors pounded out 10 base hits with Christian Perez and Korey Keith getting two hits each.

Cowboys wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard, exploding for four runs in the first inning, on three base hits. The big blows in the frame were a two-run RBI double by Eli Roundtree and a RBI single by Phil Diedrick.

Carl Albert chased Cowboys starting pitcher Jordan Romano in the fourth inning, scoring three runs on two base hits, three walks and a hit batsman to narrow the Connors lead to 5-3.

Cowboys answered the Vikings with two runs in their half of the fourth for a 7-3 advantage. Connors took advantage of two Carl Albert errors, sandwiched around two base hits, one an RBI single by Keith.

Vikings scored a run in the sixth with the aid of a Connors error and two base hits, slicing the Cowboys lead to 7-4. Carl Albert made it 7-5 in the seventh scoring on one hit and a Cowboy error.

The Vikings were able to push across another run in the eighth on a base hit, two walks and a wild pitch cutting Connors advantage to 7-6.

Connors iced the game in its half of the eighth scoring three runs on an RBI base hit by Christian Perez and an error on the Vikings right fielder that allowed two runners to cross the plate. The final Cowboyus run came on an infield out by Jacob Borrego which allowed Perez to score, who had reached third base on base hit.

NEO Drops Cowboys; Season Series Tied at 2-2

MIAMI, Okla. –Connors State held a 2-1 lead over Northeastern A&M but the Norse scored five unanswered runs in the seventh en route to a 10-3 victory over the Cowboys in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball game Monday at Homa Thomas Field.

The two clubs tied the season series at 2 each. The No. 13-ranked Cowboys are now 42-8 for the season and 12-4 in league play. Connors will play host to Carl Albert State College at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Biff Thompson Field.

Colton Strother (4-2) took the loss for the Cowboys on the hill.

Jiro Morales doubled in the second inning and came home on Dalton Daniels fielder’s choice for a 1-0 Cowboys lead. In the fifth Connors took a 2-1 lead when Erik Kirkpatrick moved to third base and scored on Christian Perz fielder’s choice,

NEO scored two runs in their half of the fifth inning for a 3-2 advantage.

Jiro Morales and Korey Keith had two hits each for the Cowboys.

Cowboys Split With Northeastern A&M

Warner—Connors State split a doubleheader with Northeastern A&M winning the opener 10-7 and losing the second 5-2 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference games at Biff Thompson Field Sunday.

The NJCAA’s No. 13-ranked Cowboys hold a 2-1 advantage in the four-game season series and will play the finale at Miami on Monday at 2 p.m. Connors will take a 41-7 season record and 12-3 OCAC mark to Homa Thomas Field. NEO is now 25-14 and 7-8 in league play.

Connors used three pitchers in the first game with Kelvin Rivas (6-2) getting the win with help from relievers Sawyer Bernard and Justin Ferrell. The trio gave up gave up seven hits, but were the victims of four Cowboys errors in the game that led to runs.

In the night cap Daniel Concepcion, sustained his first loss of the season (6-1) on the mound for Connors went seven innings, striking out five, while scattering eight hits.

NEO took a 1-0 lead to open the first game when Connors starter Kelvin Rivas walked the bases loaded after Ray Laureno tripled to the right field wall to start the game. Norse’s Andrew Standifer, walked to force in the NEO run.

Cowboys quickly answered when Korey Keith walked, and scored on Phil Diedrick’s RBI single to center field to tie the game.

Erik Kirkpatrick’s second home run of the year, a 326-foot blast over the left field wall gave the Cowboys a 3-1 lead. Kirkpatrick’s homer plated Jiro Morales who had walked.

NEO made it a one-run game in their half of the third when Ray Husnancker drove home Angel Ortiz, cutting Connors lead to 3-2. Ortiz reached base on a walk and stole second.

Connors broke open the game in their half of the third, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring seven runs on three hits, including a suicide bunt by Dalton Daniels that scored two, giving the Cowboys a 10-2 lead.

NEO answered the Cowboys third with two runs in the fourth, on two base hits, RBI singles by Kevin Myers and Sam Crabtree slicing Connors lead to 10-4.

Norsemen put three more runs across in the fifth, taking advantage of three Connors errors, to make it a 10-7 game.

The Cowboys jump on top in the second game taking a 1-0 lead in the first. Victor Claudio’s RBI base hit scored Gonzalez, who had singled, along with Diedrick in the frame.

NEO answered with two runs in the second inning on three base hits, which included Kaleb Thomas’ RBI single to left centerfield, to give the Norse a 2-1 lead.

Connors tied the game at 2-all in the third on Claudio’s base hit to left field that scored Gonzalez, who walked to open the inning.

The Norse broke the deadlock in the seventh on Ray Laureano’s RBI single to left field that plated Thomas, who reached on a single to open the inning.

NEO scored two more in the eighth inning on two base hits; the big blow was a two-run RBI single by Ray Husander.

No. 13 Cowboys Roll Over Northeastern A&M, 8-2

MIAMI, Okla.—Connors State jumped on Northeastern A&M for two runs in the top of the first and then broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning en route to an 8-2 victory on Thursday, April 25 at Homa Thomas Field.

The victory lifted the NJCAA’s No. 13 ranked Cowboys to 40-6 and 11-2 mark in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference. Northeastern A&M falls to 23-14 and 6-7 in league play.

The second-game of the four game series is scheduled to be play at Biff Thompson Field Friday at 6 p.m. weather permitting.

The Cowboys pounded out 11 hits against the Norsemen, which included two home runs to back winning pitcher Josh Hammill (5-0) who went 7 2/3 innings, striking out seven. Justin Ferrell relieved Hammill in the 8^th inning for his seventh save.

Korey Keith was hit by a pitch to start the Cowboys’ 2-run burst in the first inning. Yariel Gonzalez followed with a double to left center field that scored Keith. Victor Claudio then hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Gonzalez to score, giving Connors a 2-0 lead.

After the Norse tied the game in the fourth inning, Connors took the lead for good in the seventh.

Eli Roundtree singled to open the seventh inning, which was followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ eighth home run of the season, putting the Cowboys on top 4-2.

Cowboys added to their total in the 8^th inning when Keith singled, Yariel Gonzalez’ singled putting runners at first and second base. Claudio made it 5-2 with an RBI single which scored Keith.

Connors added three runs in the ninth inning. Dalton Daniels reached on an error and he scored on Keith’s double for a 6-2 Cowboys’ lead.

Yariel Gonzalez followed with his second home run of the game, a 2-run shot for the 8-2 final. It was Gonzales’ 9^th homer of the year and third hit of the game.

Cowboys hitting was sparked by Roundtree with 3 hits and Keith’s two hits.

Cowboys No. 13 in NJCAA National Rankings

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Connors State Cowboys have reappeared in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association baseball poll which was released Wednesday, April 24.

The Cowboys (39-6) are ranked No. 13 in the nation after falling out of the poll three weeks ago.

Connors received 81 votes in the poll. The Cowboys are the only Region II team to appear in the national rankings.

Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College (42-8) sits atop the NJCAA rankings with 190 votes, which includes 8 first place votes. Cowley (Kan.) County Community College is No. 2 with 181 votes and 2 first place votes.

NJCAA Top 20

1, Tallahassee Community College (42-8). 2, Cowley County Community College (37-8). 3, Delgado Community College (40-8). 4, Iowa Western Community College (34-10). 5, Lamar Community College (40-11). 6, Crowder College (34-10). 7, Faulkner State Community College (37-7). 8, College of Southern Nevada (32-13). 9, Darton State College (35-8). 10, Cochise College (41-11).

11, Navarro College (35-13). 12, Spartanburgh Methodist College (35-13). 13, Connors State College (39-6). 14, Grayson College (30-14). 15, Wabash Valley College (35-10). 16, Miami Dade College (35-8). 17, Central Arizona College (39-13). 18, Walters State College (31-15). 19, Chattahoochee Valley College (38-8). 20, New Mexico JC (38-10).

Carl Albert's Rally in 9th Drops Cowboys, 6-5

POTEAU -- Carl Albert scored four runs in the last of the ninth to shock Connors State 6-5 in a non-conference baseball clash on Monday, April 22 on the Vikings home field.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 39-6 for the season. Connors’ scheduled game with Crowder College on Tuesday has been postponed. Cowboys’ next game is Thursday in Miami, against Northeastern A&M. First pitch is 2 p.m.

Connors held a 5-2 lead going into the ninth inning when Carl Albert scored four runs off reliever Justin Ferrell (3-1), who took the loss. Zayne Dougan started for the Cowboys and pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up a run and striking out four. He was relieved by Sawyer Barnard, who then gave way to Ferrell.

The Cowboys scored a run in the second inning. Tyler Fourkiller walked to open the second and moved to second base on a pass ball. Jack Borrego followed with a RBI single for the 1-0 CSC lead.

In the seventh inning Korey Keith walked and went to third base on Victor Claudio’s double. Keith scored on a Carl Albert balk. Phil Diedrick then made it 3-1 when he drove home Claudio. With the bases loaded Jake Borrego walked to force home a run (Diedrick) giving Connors a 4-1 advantage.

Connors added a run in the eighth inning when Keith walked and stole second base. Diedrick single home Keith with two outs for a 5-1 Connors lead.

Carl Albert scored a run in their half of the eighth, before scoring four times in the ninth.

Cowboys Shutout Eastern State 8-0, Behind Rivas

Connors State’s Kelvin Rivas threw a four hitter en route to an 8-0 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over Eastern Oklahoma State on Sunday, April 21 at Biff Thompson Field.

The right hander (5-2) did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. Rivas struck out seven and walked just two in getting the win. Rivas had plenty of help from his teammates as the Cowboys pounded out 10 base hits against three Mountineer pitchers.

Cowboys, ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game National poll, will take a 39-5 record and a league leading OCAC mark of 10-2 to Carl Albert State College Monday for a single game beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Poteau.

Connors won the season series against Eastern State 3-1. Eastern is now 23-21 for the year and 6-6 in league play.

Cowboys jumped on Eastern State starter Jacob Jones in the first inning when leadoff hitter Christian Perez ripped a double down the third base line into the left field corner. Perez was advanced to third base on Korey Keith’s sacrifice bunt.

Yariel Gonzalez’ then sent Perez home with the first Connors run on an infield groundout to first base.

Connors added a run in the second inning to up its lead to 2-0. Cowboys scored on back-to-back bunts by Victor Claudio and Eli Roundtree which pushed across the run on throwing errors by Mountaineers’ pitcher Jacob Jones.

Victor Claudio’s fly ball to center field plated Korey Keith in the third inning to give the Cowboys a 3-0 lead. Keith walked to open the inning, followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ base hit to right field. Phil Diedrick then moved both runners up with a sacrifice bunt, followed by Claudio’s RBI producing fly out.

Claudio’s 2-run RBI double to the left center field wall in the fifth inning with two outs gave the Cowboys a 5-0 lead. Claudio’s base hit scored Yariel Gonzalez’, who had doubled and Phil Diedrick walked.

Eli Roundtree plated the sixth run of the game for Connors when he ripped a single down the right field line to score Claudio from second base and a 6-0 Cowboys lead.

Phil Diedrick’s RBI single to left field in the sixth inning, plated Dalton Daniels, who singled to open the inning giving the Cowboys a 7-0 advantage.

Korey Keith’s one-out double in the eighth scored Christian Perez, who singled to open the frame for an 8-0 Connors lead.

Cowboys Keep Rolling, Drop Eastern State, 8-5

Connors State broke a 5-5 tie in the seventh inning to drop Eastern Oklahoma State College 8-5 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Saturday, April 20  on the Mountaineers’ home field.

The OCAC league leading Cowboys will play host to the Mountaineers at 2 p.m. Sunday at Biff Thompson field. Connors enters the final game of the four-game series (2-1) with a 38-5 record and 9-2 league leading OCAC mark. Eastern is now 23-20 and 6-5.

Korey Keith opened the seventh inning with a walk followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ 2-run homer to right centerfield, his eighth of the year, giving the Cowboys a 7-5 advantage.

The Cowboys then added a run in the ninth on a solo home run by Keith, his seventh of the season.

Daniel Concepcion started on the mound for the Cowboys, but was relieved by Colton Strother in the sixth inning. Concepcion pitched 5 2/3 innings, when Strother got the final put out to end Eastern’s threat after the Mountaineers tied the game.

Strother pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out three.

 Connors scored in the second inning on Phil Diedrick fifth home run of the season, a solo homer for a 1-0 lead. Eli Roundtree followed with a base hit and Eric Kirkpatrick drove him home for a 2-0 Cowboys lead.

Eastern answered with a run in the second inning before the Cowboys came back in the third to make it 3-1.

Keith, Gonzalez, Eli Roundtree and Kirkpatrick each had two hits in the game.

Connors Drops Eastern in 12 innings, 6-5

WARNER –Jiro Morales’ ripped a single into left field in the 12th inning to lift the Connors Cowboys to a 6-5 victory over visiting Eastern Oklahoma State College Friday night, April 19  at Biff Thompson Field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Morrales’ base hit his second of the game, plated Yariel Gonzalez, who had doubled to left field and reached third base when the Mountaineers’ leftfielder overthrew the relay to second base, allowing Gonzalez to advance.

Eastern reliever Dalton Viner then issued two intentional walks to load the bases to set the stage for Morales’ game winning hit.

Justin Farrell (3-0) got the win in relief of starter Josh Hammill who went 8 1/3 innings, striking out 13 Eastern State batters.

The Cowboys No. 9 in the Perfect Game ranking ties the season series at one game each as the two clubs will play Saturday at 1 p.m. in Wilburton. Connors will take a 37-5 record and league leading 8-2 mark to Wilburton. Eastern is now 23-19 and 6-4.

Cowboys jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning on two base hits, sacrifice bunt and RBI infield groundout.

 Victor Claudio singled to left field, moved to second on Eli Roundtree’s bloop single to left field. Jiro Morales advanced both runners on a sacrifice bunt. Claudio scored on Erik Kirkpatrick’s deep infield hit to shortstop.  Roundtree, who had advanced to third base scored on a wild pitch by Mountaineers’ Mike Freeman, giving the Cowboys a 2-0 advantage.

Cowboys’ lead was short lived as Mountaineers’ Ziair Koeimen connected on a 3-run homer over the left center field wall for a 3-2 Eastern lead. Daniel Slaltert reached on a base hit and Kaleb Mathews was hit by a pitch from CSC starter Josh Hammill.

Connors came back with three runs in their half of the fifth on three base hits for a 5-Cowboys lead. Morales doubled to left field, and scored on Erik Kirkpatrick’s base hit to left field. Dalton Daniels then beat out a bunt as the throw to first base was mishandled and he reached third base as Kirkpatrick scored on the play for a 4-3 advantage.

Daniels then scored on Korey Keith’s sacrifice bunt giving Connors a 5-3 lead.

Eastern narrowed the gap to 5-4 in the seventh taking advantage of two Cowboy errors to push across a run.

Mountaineers tied the game in the ninth on a RBI triple by Seth Hix, who scored pinch hitter Raymond Coon, who had reached on a walk by Farrell.

Cowboys Fall to Eastern State 5-4 in OCAC Clash

WILBURTON-- Eastern State struck for four first inning runs and held off Connors State 5-4 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball clash on the Mountaineers home field on Wednesday, April 17.

The two clubs will battle Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Biff Thompson Field, weather permitting.

The Cowboys, ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game national poll, are now 36-5 for the season and 7-2 in league action. Eastern is now 23-18 and 6-3 in OCAC play.

Cowboys starter Jordan Romano (4-2) gave up all four runs in the first inning before being relieved by Colton Strother, who went 5 2/3 innings, giving up 3 hits and striking out six. Justin Farrell also pitched one inning in relief.

Dalton Daniels, Jiro Morales, Yariel Gonzalez and Korey Keith all had two hits. Daniels hit his fifth home run and Morales his second, both solo shots.

Cowboys battled back to cut the Eastern lead to 4-2 in the second inning and added single runs in the fifth and eighth innings.

Cowboys Use Long Ball to Sweep Ozarks, 7-0, 13-0

It was home run day for the Connors Cowboys (36-4) as the Perfect Game No. 9-ranked Cowboys connected for five home runs in the double header sweep of the University of Ozarks 7-0 and 13-0 Monday, April 15  at Biff Thompson Field.

Connors pounded out 18 hits in the twin bill, which included five home runs. Zayne Dougan (3-0) went the distance in the opener, tossing a 1-hitter, while striking out 9 Ozarks batters.  Sawyer Bernard went three innings in the second game and got the win (6-0).

Yariel Gonzalez highlighted the first game with a two-run shot in the fourth inning, his sixth of the season.

Gonzalez was one of four Cowboys to go yard in the second game as he hit a three-run home run in the first inning.

Korey Keith hit a three-run home run in the second inning while Tyler Fourkiller hit a solo home run in the third, his second of the year, and Patrick Gonzalez hit a grand slam in the sixth inning, his second home run of the year.

In the second game Keith was 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs. Followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ 2-for-3 performance and 3 RBIs, with Fourkiller also connecting for 3 RBIs on 2-for-4 at the plate.

Cowboys Sweep No. 16 Seminole State, 3-2, 5-2

WARNER –Connors State behind the suburb pitching of Daniel Concepcion and Kelvin Rivas, swept the NJCAA’s 16^th-ranked Seminole 3-2 and 5-2 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference double header at Biff Thompson Field Saturday.

The Cowboys took the season series over Seminole winning 3-of-4 games from the Trojans.

Connors will now look ahead to the first of a four-game series with Eastern Oklahoma State beginning Wednesday at Wilburton.

The three Cowboy hurlers dominated Seminole’s hitters, allowing the Trojans just 9 base hits in the twin bill. Starters Concepcion and Rivas combined for 18 strike outs and Farrell added another for 18 strike outs.

Concepcion, (6-0) who was locked in a pitcher’s battle for six innings with Seminole’s Jordan Watson, scattered four hits and struck out five in the first game. Rivas (4-2) scattered 4 hits and struck out 12 batters in 7 2/3 innings before being relieved by Justin Farrell.

Connors, unranked in the NJCAA poll, but No. 9 in the Perfect Game national poll, improves to 34-4 on the year and 7-1 in OCAC play. Seminole is now 22-14 and 3-5.

Victor Claudio’s single into right field scoring pinch runner Chance Suggs from second base, powered the Cowboys to the win in the opener.

Phil Diedrick opened the seventh with a single up the middle and Suggs then came on as the pinch runner. Suggs moved to second base on a pickoff attempt that was mishandled by Seminole first baseman.

Claudio then ripped a base hit to right field. Suggs appeared to hold up at third base, however on the throw from outfielder Cisco Factor the ball  bounced over the catcher Matt Fultz’ head allowing Suggs to cross the plate for the win.

Yariel Gonzalez put the Cowboys on the scoreboard in the first inning with a solo home run over the leftfield wall.

Cowboys added a run in the fourth for a 2-0 lead when Korey Keith, who had reached on a walk, scored on Victor Claudio’s RBI single into left field on a hit and run.

The Connors lead stood until the seventh when Seminole scored twice on three base hits and a walk to tie the game.

Cowboys took a 3-0 lead in the third inning of the night cap. Dalton Daniels opened with a double to left field and scored on Christian Perez’ RBI single to left field. Perez moved to second base on a wild pitch. Following a strike out by Korey Keith, Yariel Gonzalez singled to left field scoring Perez for a 2-0 Connors lead.

Phil Diedrick followed with an infield out. Gonzalez moved to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Victor Claudio’s RBI bunt down the third base line for a 3-0 Cowboys lead.

Cowboys took advantage of two errors by Seminole third baseman Nick Pettus, which resulted in a Connors 4-0 lead in the sixth inning.

With two outs, Eli Roundtree singled to right field which was followed by back-to-back errors by Pettus on ground balls by Jiro Morales and Eric Kirkpatrick, which produced a Connors run.

Seminole got on the scoreboard in the eighth inning, scoring twice on two base hits and a Cowboy error, cutting Connors advantage to 4-2.

However, Connors came back with a run in its half of the eighth, when Eric Kirkpatrick doubled home Victor Claudio, who had reached on a Seminole error for a 5-2 CSC lead.

Cowboys Split With Seminole State

SEMINOLE – Connors State and NJCAA No. 16-ranked Seminole State exchange slug fests on Friday, April 12  on the Trojans home field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball double header.

Seminole State took the first game 11-1 and the Cowboys came back with a 13-1 victory. The two clubs will play a doubleheader at Biff Thompson Field Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.

Connors is now 32-4 for the season and 5-1 in OCAC play. The Trojans are now 22-12 and 3-3 in league play.

In the night cap Connors took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Christian Perez opened with a double, followed by a Korey Keith walk. Phil Diedrick then drove home Perez for the first run and Keith came home on Eli Roundtree’s sacrifice fly setting the stage for the onslaught.

Josh Hammill went the distance on the mound for the Cowboys. Hammill is now 4-0, as he scattered four hits, and struck out four.

Dalton Daniels blasted two solo home runs in the game and now has four on the year. He had three hits in the game and 3 RBIs. Christian Perez had four hits, Perez, Keith and Yariel Gonzalez had two RBIs each.

The Cowboys were deadlocked with Trojans 1-1 after four innings in the opener. Seminole scored four runs in the fourth for a 5-1 lead, added another run in the fifth and five more. Cowboys’ Jordan Romano took the loss and is now 4-1 on the mound.

Yariel Gonzalez led the Connors hitting with three hits with Korey Keith collecting two hits.

CSC Game With Seminole Moved

Connors State baseball game schedule at Biff Thomson Field on Friday, April 12 with Seminole State has been moved to Seminole, according to Cowboys head coach Perry Keith.

The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 13 at Biff Thompson beginning at 1 p.m.

Cowboys, Seminole Game Rescheduled for Friday

Connors State Cowboys baseball doubleheader with Seminole State College on Thursday, April 11 has been postponed and rescheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, April 12 at Biff Thompson Field, according to head coach Perry Keith.

Cowboys Hit 3 Home Runs En Route to 13-1 win over NOC-Enid

ENID – Connors State broke open a tight ball game in the seventh and eighth innings, scoring four and seven runs respectively en route to a 13-1 victory over Northern Oklahoma-Enid Monday night, April 8  on the Jets home field.

Cowboys, ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game National poll, improves to 31-3 for the season and returns to Oklahoma College Athletic Conference play on Thursday against Seminole State at Biff Thompson Field. The doubleheader’s first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Connors pounded out 14 base hits against the Jets, which included three home runs, one each by Yariel Gonzalez, his fourth, Christian Perez, his fourth and Phil Diedrick, his third.

Freshman Zayne Dougan (3-0) went six innings, allowing one hit and struck out four in picking up the victory.

Christian Perez broke a 1-1 deadlock in the fifth inning with a solo home run. It was one of three base hits he had on the night. Gonzalez led the hitting attack with four hits and Diedrick had three. Hunter Spencer also had three hits in the win.

Connors Athletic Golf Scramble Set for June 8 at Cobblestone

Connors State Athletic Department will hold its annual golf scramble on Saturday, June 8 at Cobblestone Golf Course in Muskogee.

All proceeds from the scramble will go to student athletic scholarships. The scramble is limited to one flight only and to the first 36 teams.

A four-person team is $100 per person which includes green fees, ½ cart and lunch. Prizes include first place $400, second place $300 and third place $200. Ties will be determined by scorecard play-off.

Check in time is 7 to 7:45 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

For additional information call Connors State Athletic Director Bill Muse at 918-463-6231. Make checks payable to Connors Development Foundation.

Cowboys Sweep Rose State to Remain Unbeaten in OCAC Play

MIDWEST CITY – Connors State, No. 9 in the Perfect Game national rankings, won its sixth consecutive game and is now 30-3 for the season with a doubleheader sweep of Rose State 4-3 and 5-2 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball play on Saturday, April 6.

The Cowboys are now unbeaten in OCAC play at 4-0 and will step out of league action to play Northern Oklahoma-Enid in a single game on Monday at Enid.

Cowboys’ Daniel Concepcion went five innings on the mound before being relieved by Justin Ferrell with the game tied 3-3.

Concepcion allowed 3 earned runs, on 8 hits while striking out four. Ferrell, who worked two scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out two got the win and is now 2-0 for the year.

The Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Christian Perez walked to open the game, and Korey Keith followed with a base hit. Phil Dedrick then singled to plate Perez for a 1-0 Connors lead. Victor Claudio then hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Keith for a 2-0 Cowboys lead.

Rose State answered with a run in their half of the first and then tied the game in the third inning with another run.

Connors came back in the fourth to take the lead. Jiro Morales walked, stole second base and came home on Dalton Daniels double down the third base line for a 3-2 Cowboys’ lead. However it was short lived as the Raiders tied the game 3-all with a run in the fourth.

Cowboys scored a run in the seventh to get the victory. Perez singled, followed by a Keith base hit. Yariel Gonzalez followed with an RBI single to score Perez with the winning run.

Keith led the Cowboys hitting attack with three hits and Diedrick had two hits and an RBI.

In the second game Cowboys scored a run in the third inning to take the lead. Daniels walked, stole second base and moved to third on a fielder’s choice. Keith plated Daniels on a fielder’s choice for the 1-0 CSC lead.

Connors added another run in the fifth inning when Daniels single, stole second base and Perez had an RBI single to score Daniels.

The Cowboys scored 3 runs in the sixth inning for a 5-0 advantage. Diedrick opened with a single and scored on Claudio’s RBI double and he scored on Eli Roundtree’s double. Rose State then attempted a pick off that was misplayed which allowed Roundtree to score.

Rose scored two unearned runs in the sixth inning off Cowboys’ starter Kelvin Rivas. Rivas went six innings, allowed only three hits and striking five for the win. Sawyer Barnard pitched the last three innings for his second save of the season.

Diedrick, Claudio and Jiro Morales each had two hits in the game.

Cowboys Sweep Rose State to Open OCAC Play

Connors State open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play Friday, April 5 with a doubleheader sweep of Rose State College.

The Cowboys No. 9 in the Prefect Game National Rankings, are now 28-3 for the year and 2-0 in OCAC play, pounded out 27 base hits in the twin bill en route to 14-4 and 8-5 victories at Biff Thompson Field.

The two schools will meet again Saturday at Rose State for a doubleheader, beginning at 1 p.m.

The Cowboys broke open a tight ball game in the fifth inning of the opener with a six-run explosion, to take a 6-4 lead on seven base hits in the inning.

Rose State jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with the Cowboys scoring a run in its half of the inning. Cowboys took a 2-1 lead in the third when they pushed across a run with the help of two Raider errors.

Rose scored two runs in the fifth for a 4-3 lead before the Cowboys erupted for six more in their half of the fifth for a 6-4 lead. Connors then ended the game in the sixth with a 4 run burst for the 14-4 final to end the game on the 10-run rule.

Connors pounded out 17 base hits in the opener with Christian Perez going 3-for-4, Yerial Gonzalez, 3-for-4, with 5 RBIs and Erick Kirkpatrick perfect at the plate, 3-for-3 and 3 RBIs, with Kory Keith adding 2 RBIs. .

Josh Hammill went the distance to get his third win of the season against no defeats. He struck out 5 and scattered seven hits.

In the night cap the Cowboys jumped out to a 4-0 lead on the strength of a 3-run homer by Christian Perez, his third of the season in the second inning. However, the Raiders came back in the third inning with four runs of their own, including a 2-run homer by Ryan Bottger to tie the game.

The Raiders regained the lead in the fifth with a run on two base hits; the big blow was an RBI triple by Garrett Crain for a 5-4 Rose State advantage.

Cowboys took the lead for good in the sixth on Perez’ second homer of the game and fourth of the season. He connected on a 3-run blast over the left-center field fence that made it 8-5 Cowboys.

Left hander Colton Strother in relief of starter Andrew Simonetti got the win on the mound. Strother is now 3-1 for the year. He pitched five innings striking out nine and giving up just two hits.

Cowboys Knockoff No.2-Ranked Crowder, 9-2

Korey Keith and Phil Diedrick slugged two home runs each to power the Connors State Cowboys, over No. 2 ranked Crowder College 9-2 at Biff Thompson Field on Monday, April 1.

It was the fourth and fifth home runs of the season for Keith, who had three hits, and the second and third homers for Diedrick.

Daniel Concepcion (5-0) struck out eight batters and scattered six hits in 61/3 innings for the win.

Cowboys ranked 9th in the Perfect Games

COWBOYS WIN BATTLE OF TOP TENS The Cowboys ranked 9^th in the Perfect Game poll and Crowder College ranked 2^nd  in the NJCAA poll took to the field today at Biff Thompson Field in a battle of top ten teams in the nation and the Cowboys came out victorious pounding Crowder 11-4.

Daniel Concepcion started on the mound going 6 and 1/3 allowing 2 earned runs and striking out 8. The Cowboys bullpen was superb again as Josh Hammill and Justin Ferrell blanked Crowder in the last 3 innings.

Phil Diedrick and Korey Keith blasted 2 home runs each. Diedrick got the Cowboys on the board with a 2 run shot in the 1^st. Crowder would tie the score in the 3^rd but Keith hit his first home run of the day to put the Cowboys back on top to stay. Keith hit a 2 run homer in the 6^th and Diedrick hit a solo home run in the 7^th. Keith had 3 hits on the day and Christian Perez, Diedrick, Yariel Gonzalez, Eli Roundtree and Eric Kirkpatrick had 2 hits each. The Cowboys record is now 26-3 on the year. “Our guys were good, we pitched good and we are so solid up and down the lineup every hitter gives us competitive at bats”, Coach Perry Keith said after the game.

Cowboys Overpower Northern Oklahoma-Enid 9-6

Connors State cashed-in early and late on Bank Armstrong Night posting a 9-6 victory over Northern Oklahoma-Enid under the lights at Biff Thompson Field Thursday, March 28.

The victory lifts the Cowboys to 25-3 for the season while the Jets fall to 7-20. Connors returns to action on Saturday with a doubleheader on the road against Carl Albert State College in Poteau.

Cowboys pounded out 15 base hits with Yariel Gonzalez leading the hitting attack with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate that included two RBIs. Sawyer Barnard was the winning pitcher for the Cowboys in relief of starter Jordan Romano, who was relieved by Andrew Simonetti, followed by Barnard.

Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the first and added four more runs in the third for a 5-1 lead. The Jets came  back with two in the fourth, one in the sixth and another in the seventh to tie the game at 6-all.

Dalton Daniels single to left field which was misplayed and the Jets left-fielder fell down when fielding the ball allowed Eric Kirkpatrick to score with the go-head run in the seventh inning for a 7-6 Cowboys lead. Kirkpatrick had reached base on an error by the Jets shortstop.

Connors added another run in the inning on a Korey Keith RBI single to left field that scored Daniels for an 8-6 Connors lead.

Cowboys added another run in the 8^th for the 9-6 final.

Cowboys Earn Split With Arkansas Tech

RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. –Connors State’s Korey Keith broke a scoreless game in the fifth inning with a two-run single which led the Cowboys to a win in the opener of a doubleheader against Arkansas Tech on Wednesday, March 27, winning the opener 2-1 and falling in the night cap 5-4.

The twin bill split left the Cowboys 24-3 for the season, who are ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game USA junior College baseball poll this week.

Daniel Concepcion (4-0) worked five shutout innings, striking out seven in the opener. Justin Ferrell got his fifth save allowing one hit but walked three. Five Cowboys had one hit each.

Connors let a 2-0 lead evaporate in the finale. Kelvin Rivas (2-2) went four innings, giving up four runs on seven hits. Three Cowboys had two hits — Keith, Christian Perez and Hunter Simpson.

Cowboys Sweep Bacone to Improve to 21-2 for theYear

Korey Keith slugged two two-run home runs as the Connors State Cowboys beat Bacone’s junior varsity 14-1 as part of a doubleheader sweep at Biff Thompson Field on Monday, March 18. The Cowboys won the first game, 12-2.

Keith also doubled in the first game.

In that first game, Yariel Gonzalez singled three times and drove in two runs, while Christian Perez double and Phil Diedrick and Eric Kirkpatrick singled twice.

In the nightcap, Perez doubled twice, while Caleb Simpson singled twice and Jake Borrego doubled and singled.

Colton Strother (2-0) and Caleb Banks (3-0) were the winning pitchers as the 19^th ranked Cowboys improved to 21-2 for the year.

Streak Ends at 17, Cowboys Fall to Murray State 10-7

Connors State’s 17-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday, March 16 in Tishomingo falling to Murray State 10-7 as the 19^th-ranked Cowboys are now 19-2 for the season.

Kelvin Ramos (2-1) was the losing pitcher as Connors fell behind 7-0 after three innings. Cowboys cut the deficit to 8-6 in the sixth inning.

Eric Kirkpatrick had a two-run double and Taylor Fourkiller had a two-run double in the sixth inning. Phil Diedrik slugged a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Kevin Brill was the winning pitcher as Murray State connected for two solo home runs in the eighth inning.

Cowboys will next play Bacone in a doubleheader  on Monday at Biff Thompson Field

Cowboys Streak Hits 17; Drops Murray State 4-2

Connors State won their 17^th straight on Friday, March 15, capturing a 4-2 non-conference victory over Murray State at Biff Thompson Field.

The victory improves  the 19^th-ranked Cowboys to 19-1 on the season.

Back-to-back doubles by Yarel Rodriguez and Eli Roundtree tied the game at 1 in the fourth inning.

 Erick Kirkpatrick’s first home run of the season pushed the lead to 3-1 and in the fifth inning. A , Christian Perez’ double accounted for another  run.

 Jordan Romani (3-0) threw five innings with seven strikouts, allowing two hits. Josh Hamel struck out six and gave up one hit in getting the save.

No. 19 Cowboys Blast University of Ozarks; Streak Hits 16

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. ---The 19^th ranked Connors Cowboys capuured its 16^th victory in a row with a doubleheader sweep of University of Ozarks 18-0 and 17-3 on Wednesday, March 13 and are now 18-1 for the season.

Korey Keith led off a run of eight straight hits in an eight-run inning in the opener. The Cowboys had 20 hits. Yairel Gonzalez had a solo home run and a two-run shot, giving him three homers on the season. Tyler Fourkiller, Jake Borrego and Dalton Daniels had three hits each. Daniel Concepcion (2-0) allowed two hits and struck out 10 in five innings.

A 10-run third was the decider in the second game. Five Connors players had two hits each — Gonzalez, Keith, Daniels along with Christian Perez and Eli Roundtree. Zane Duggan (1-0) started and went four innings, allowing four hits for the win.

Cowboys Ranked No. 19 in NJCAA Baseball Poll

Connors State Cowboys baseball team has cracked the NJCAA top 20 rankings for the first time this season.

The Cowboys are ranked No. 19 with a 16-1 record in the second baseball poll of the season.

Chattahoocnhee Valley Community College with an18-1 record sits atop the poll.

Cowboys Blast Bacone in Doubleheader Sweep

Behind Dalton Daniels two home runs and Eli Roundtree’s grand slam, the Connors Cowboys rolled over Bacone 27-3 in the  opener of a double header, while Yariel Gonzalez led the attack in the second  game for a 10-0 win Tuesday, March 12 at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys are now 16-1 for the season and have won14 consecutive games.

Daniels’ home runs, his first two of the year, highlighted his three-hit game while Roundtree’s slam was his fifth of the season. Victor Claudio, Korey Keith, Tyler Fourkiller and Jiro Morales had two hits each
In game two, Yariel Gonzalez had three hits and four RBIs to pace Connors. Claudio and Eric Kirkpatrick had two hits in the game.

Sawyer Barnard earned his fourth win of the year in game one, pitching four innings and striking out eight batters, while Colton Strother improved to 2-1, giving up one hit with six strikeouts.

Cowboys Sweep Maplewoods to Extend Winning Streak to 12

Connors Cowboys weathered a blustery windy day  with great pitching and warmed their bats up to sweep Maplewoods College by scores of 1-0 and 10-1on Sunday, March 10 at Biff Thompson Field.

The doubleheader sweep extends the Cowboys winning streak to 12 and their record is 14-1.

It was a pitcher’s duel until the bottom of the 6th when Korey Keith hit a solo home run over the wall in right center  to give the Cowboys 1-0  victory.

Jordan Romano went six innings on the mound striking out 10 and before giving  way to Andrew Simonetti in the seventh as he recorded his second save of the year. Eric Kirkpatrick and Dalton Daniels had two hits each.

In game two the Cowboys took an early lead in the first when Korey Keith’s double drove in Christian Perez  for a 1-0 lead before Maplewood tied the game in the second. Victor Claudio put the Cowboys up to stay with an RBI single in the third.

Eli Roundtree started the fourth with a double and RBI hits from Patrick Gonzalez, Keith, Daniels and Claudio resulted in a five-run inning. Jiro Morales added a solo home run in the seventh, his first of the year.

Kelvin Rivas got the start in the night cap and went five solid innings striking out nine. Zane Dougan threw three scoreless innings striking out five and Justin Ferrell came on in the ninth to throw a scoreless inning and finish the sweep.

“Our starting pitching and bullpen was awesome, and then we were able to get some timely hits and here we go”, said Coach Perry Keith after the sweep at a cold and windy Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys are back in action at home Tuesday for a 2pm doubleheader vs. Bacone.

Cowboys Sweep Oklahoma Wesleyan; Improve to 11-1 on Year

BARTLESVILLE-- Connors State swept Oklahoma Wesleyan in a double header on Monday, March 4, taking 10-3 and 11-1 wins as the Cowboys improved to 11-1 on the year and are on a nine-game winning streak.

Dalton Daniels went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and one run batted in in both games to help the Cowboys to take the sweep.

Sawyer Barnard earned the win in the first game, running his record to 3-0, pitching four innings and allowing five hits with two strikeouts.

 Christian Perez was 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, one coming on his first home run of the season in the second inning.

The second game saw Caleb Banks earn his first win of the year, pitching four innings and allowing one earned run with two strikeouts. Korey Keith was 3-for-3 with one double and three RBIs while Yariel Gonzalez was 2-for-2 with two RBIs.

Cowboys Sweep Ellsworth; Improves to 9-1 for Season

Connors Cowboys improved to 9-1 on the year by taking both games of the doubleheader 7-3 and 12-5 against Ellsworth (Iowa) on Saturday, March .2 at Biff Thompson Field.

Kelvin Rivas got the win in the first game, his first of the season, giving up one earned run in five innings with six strikeouts while Andrew Simonetti picked up  his first victory of the year, pitching 3 1/3 innings with two strikeouts and three hits.

Victor Claudio, Dalton Daniels and Korey Keith had two hits in the opener and Christian Perez banged out his first home run of the season, a two-run blast in the fifth inning.

In the nightcap, Eli Roundtree had two hits and four RBIs, two coming on his third home run of the season in the fifth inning, while Hunter Simpson had three hits and Claudio and Tyler Fourkiller each had two hits.

Fourkiller Leads Cowboys to Sweep of Ellsworth

Connors’ Tyler Fourkiller’s two-run single in the sixth inning rallied Connors (7-1) from a 2-1 deficit, leading them to a sweep of Ellsworth, Iowa, Community College in Friday’s doubleheader on March 1, capturing a 2-1 win in the opener and a 5-2 victory in the nightcap at Biff Thompson Field.

. Yariel Gonzalez’s walk-off single, a two-run bases-loaded shot down the right field line, gave the Cowboys a 2-1 win in the opener.

Dalton Daniels had four hits on the day while Korey Keith and Gonzalez had two hits in the opener and Fourkiller and Victor Claudio joined Daniels in registering two hits in the second game.

Justin Ferrell (1-0) worked two hitless relief innings on the mound, striking out four, to win the first game while  Josh Hammill struck out 12 in six innings of four-hit ball allowing two runs in the nightcap with Zane Duggan earning a save.

Cowboys Crush North Lakes, Texas in Doubleheader

IRIVING, TEXAS—The weather cleared and the Connors State Cowboys brought out their bats to pound North Lakes Community College 26-3 and 10-6 to sweep a double header across the Red River Wednesday.

The victory improves the Cowboys to 5-1 on the season entering a doubleheader on Friday at 1 p.m. with Ellsworth Community College at Biff Thompson Field.

In the opener the Cowboys held an 11-3 lead entering the fourth innings before adding 10 more runs for a 21-3 lead.

Sawyer Bernard, who pitched four innings, got his second win of the season. Eli Roundtree provided the fire power at the plate, pounding out 3 base hits, which included two doubles and a grand slam for 6 RBIs. Korey Keith had three hits and 3 RBIs with Patrick Gonzalez connecting for a grand slam in the fifth inning.

Jiro Morales added two hits and an RBI and Eric Kirkpatrick had two hits in the win.

The nightcap was all Connors also as the Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Yariel Gonzalez singled, and scored on Roundtree’s second home run of the day and third of the season.

North Lake scored in the second to close to 2-1. However, the Cowboys made it 6-1, when Dalton Daniels singled to open the third inning. Daniels then stole second base and Keith followed with an RBI single for a 3-1 Cowboys lead.

Yariel Gonzalez then hit a three run homer in the inning for a 6-1 Connors advantage.

North Lake made it 6-3 in the sixth when Justin Ferrell relieved Andrew Simonetti with two outs and ended the Blazers’ threat. He went on to pitch a scoreless seventh to pick up his second save of the season.  Simonetti was the winning pitcher, his first of the year. He pitched 2 2/3 innings. He came in for starter Caleb Banks, who left in the fourth inning.

In the hitting department of the second game Yariel Gonzalez had two base hits and 3 RBIs, with Roundtree pounding out three base hits and two RBIs and Keith with a hit and 3 RBIs.

Game Postponed

WARNER--  Connors State’s baseball game with Coffeyville Community College on Tuesday has been postponed and has been rescheduled for March 7 at 2 p.m. in Warner, according to head coach Perry Keith

Cowboys, Western Iowa Game Cancelled

WARNER—Connors State Cowboys baseball game with Western Iowa on Saturday was cancelled and will not be made up, according to head coach Perry Keith.

Weather permitting the Cowboys will return to action Tuesday against Coffeyville Community College at 2 p.m. at Warner.

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Big Hit

MUSKOGEE-- Connors State College inducted eight former student athletes, its 1985 Cowgirls National Championship basketball team and awarded an Outstanding Leadership award at its first Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday night at the Muskogee Country Club.

Inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame for basketball was Lou Henson, who played at Connors State and had an outstanding coaching career at New Mexico State and the University of Illinois. He was joined by NJCAA All-American Horatio Webster, who was unable to make the trip due a flight cancelation in Chicago. Rhonda Smith, who was a two time- All-American for the Cowgirls basketball team represented the women, but didn’t make the trip due to a family illness.

Also inducted were softball players Michel Taylor-Ashlock, and Cassie Tipton, baseball players Jeff Turtle and Clint Sodowsky. V. David Miller, CEO of Cross Communication received the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Connors State President Dr. Tim Faltyn expressed his appreciation to the packed ballroom of 140 for their “continued support of Connors State athletics and to the college.”

“This was well overdue (Athletic Hall of Fame) and to me personally one more sentence in a chapter of excellence that we are building at Connors State,” said Dr. Faltyn.

The highlight of the evening was Henson, who grew up in Okay and came to Connors in 1951 to play basketball.

“Connors was the foundation for my coaching career and the stepping stone for my life,” said Henson.  “My playing days at Connors sparked my interest in coaching.”

Henson, who said he believed in giving back to what help him through life, donated $5,000 to the men’s basketball program it was announced by Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Kim Davis-Barton, who played for the Cowgirls from 1980-82, where she was named an NJCAA All-American, said “I am truly blessed to be honored tonight and be here. I thank God for giving me the ability to play basketball.

“It was Coach (Monte) Madewell who helped perfect my game. There is no better place than Connors State. It will always be in my heart,” said Davis-Barton.

ESPN Basketball Analyst to Emcee CSC Athletics Hall of Fame

Bryndon Manzer, former Oklahoma State guard and now ESPN Basketball game and Studio analyst will emcee the Connors State College Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Muskogee Country Club.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner and the induction of the first class.

“I am very excited about being a part of this event and being selected the emcee,” said Manzer.

Manzer, who resides in Edmond, with his wife Janie and sons Brooks (9) and Banks (5), is also an investment advisor with Securian Advisors, MidAmerica Inc. for the past 10 years.

Manzer, who played his high school basketball at Stillwater High School, began his college career at St. Gregory’s Junior College when he played for two seasons under Don Sumner. He is St. Gregory’s fourth all-time leading scorer and led Region II in scoring with a 23-6 scoring average in the 1991-92 seasons. He was an honorable mention All-American in 1991-92. He was inducted into the St. Gregory’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

Manzer then signed with Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State in 1992 where he played on two nationally ranked NCAA Tournament teams. He left OSU as the school’s all-time 3-point percentage leader.

Following graduation he became head coach at St. Gregory’s in 1996 through 2002 leading the school to only national tournament appearance in 1999-200. He was named the Sooner Athletic Conference coach of the year. He served as athletic director from2000 to 2002.

Ex-Cowboys' Homer Closes Gap for A's for Wild Card Spot

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Former Connors State Cowboys George Kottaras, Class of 2003,  10th-inning homer into the second deck at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington, Texas put the Oakland A's a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles for the top American League Wild Card spot and four games behind the Rangers in the AL West.

Athletic Hall of Fame Tickets Available

Tickets for the Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame banquet on Oct. 6 are available at the Warner campus by contacting Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Cost of the event is $25 and can be purchased by contacting Muse at (918) 463-6231. The event will be held at the Muskogee Country Club, which gets under way at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by the dinner at 6 p.m. and the induction of the first CSC class.

Bryndon Manzer, studio basketball analyst for ESPNU and former basketball player at Oklahoma State University, will emcee the banquet.

CSC Announces First Athletics Hall of Fame Class

Connors State College has a long history of athletic achievements and to honor those athletes CSC Athletic Director and Cowboys head basketball coach Bill Muse has announced the first Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame members.

The first class, which will be inducted on Oct. 6, at the Muskogee Country Club includes former men’s basketball players Lou Henson, Horatio Webster, women’s basketball players Kim Davis-Barton, Rhonda Smith, baseball players Clint Sodowsky, Jeff Turtle, softball players Cassie Tipton, Michel Taylor, women’s 1985 NJCAA National Championship basketball team and V. David Miller of Cross Communication, who is to be awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award.

“We are very excited about establishing our Athletic Hall of Fame with athletes who have excelled both on and off the athletic courts and playing fields at Connors State College,” said Muse. “This is an exciting time for Connors State and we are looking forward to our first induction in October.

 “The Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics,’’ said Muse.

Bryndon Manzer, studio basketball analyst for ESPNU and former basketball player at Oklahoma State University, will emcee the banquet, which will get under way at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event can be obtained  from Muse at Connors State by calling (918) 463-6231.

Henson, a native of Okay, Okla. played at Connors State in 1951-53 before continuing his collegiate career at New Mexico State University, before beginning a coaching career that spanned 53 years.

He began his career at Las Cruces, N.M. High School in 1959, winning three state titles before moving to the college ranks in 1962 at Hardin-Simmons University, where he posted a 67-36 mark. After four seasons he took over at his alma mater, New Mexico State, taking the Aggies to the Final Four for the only time in the school’s history in 1970, losing to eventual national champion UCLA in the semifinals.

During his nine seasons at New Mexico State he led the Aggies to six NCAA Tournaments and four 20-win seasons, compiling a 173-71 record.

Henson then moved to the University of Illinois, leading the Illini to the Final Four in 1989, before retiring after 21 seasons in 1996. He compiled an overall record of 423-224 at Illinois.  He guided the Illini to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and three NIT appearances.

However, New Mexico State reached out to their alum following a scandal that removed the head coach just before the season opened. Henson stayed until 2005 posting a 135-86 record, which included three more NCAA Tournament appearances and three trips to the NIT. He retired coaching for a second time because of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Henson’s overall collegiate coaching record is 779-422 to rank No. 6 on the all-time list among coaches.

Webster, a Durant, Miss., native played at Connors State 1995 -96, is the Cowboys all-time leading scorer with 1,674 points. Webster was a NJCAA All-American and Player of the Year in 1996. Webster averaged 23.5 points his sophomore season in leading the Cowboys to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

Following his CSC career, he played at Mississippi State, where he was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer, where he  averaged 16.1 points his junior season and 17.0 points during his senior year.

Kim Davis-Barton played for the Cowgirls from1980-82, where she was a NJCAA All-American in 1982 in leading CSC to the Region II Championship and national tournament appearance. Davis-Barton was a two-time All-Bi-State Conference selection and voted the Region II Most Valuable Player in 1982. She was selected to play in the East-West junior college game in Kansas City, Mo.

Following graduation at CSC, Davis-Barton continued her basketball career at Oral Roberts University leading the Lady Titans to an undefeated regular season record during the 1982-83 seasons under head coach Debbie Yow. Davis-Barton averaged 17.3 points at ORU in leading the Lady Titans to the WNIT, losing in the semifinals.

Davis-Barton, who played only one season at ORU, before moving on to the University of Florida with Yow, led ORU in scoring and was an All-American selection. She was nominated by Yow for the Margaret Wade Trophy as the women’s player of the year.

She played one season at Florida where she was a letterman and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the College of Journalism and Communication. She is now the Director of Outreach of Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.

Smith played for the Cowgirls from 1983 and 1985, where she was a two-time NJCAA All-American and named to the Kodak All-America team in 1985. She was also a two-time All-Bi-State Conference and Region II selection and is the only Cowgirl to have her Jersey Number retired—35.

She is the Cowgirls all-time leading scorer with 1,512 points, averaging 20.7 points a game during her career. Smith averaged 24.7 points her sophomore season, No. 1 on the Cowgirls record list, along with single season rebound mark of 450 for a 12.5 average. She also tops the single season records for field goals (382), and field goal attempts (705).

Following graduation from Connors, Smith continued her playing career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds on the Lady Bulldogs team that won the 1987 NAIA National Championship with a 30-2 record. She was a first team NAIA All-American, All-District IX selection and Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Year.

Turtle, a member of the Cowboys baseball team in 1984 and 85, was signed by head coach Perry Keith on the tailgate of a pickup at Pryor, Okla., and went on to become the all-time career homerun (41) and runs-batted-in (190) record holder at Connors.

He was a two-time All-Region selection and second team NJCAA All-American in 1985. Following his graduation at Connors he signed with Kansas State, where he hit .337 and .397 with 21 home runs over two years, being named All-Big Eight in 1987. Turtle went on to play in the San Francisco Giants organization.

Sodowsky played for the Cowboys in 1991where he posted an 8-3 record with 63 strike outs and an earned run average of 2.34. He drafted in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Detroit Tigers.

The right-hander pitched for four major league teams, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Arizona and St. Louis, posting a career record of 8-14 with a 6.17 earned run average. He was a member of the inaugural Arizona Diamondbacks team that began play in the MLB in 1998.

Sodowsky retired from professional baseball in 2006 after playing 10 seasons in Triple-A.

Tipton played two seasons for the Cowgirls, 1995-96 and played an instrumental part in leading Connors State to the NJCAA National Tournament, finishing fifth. The outfielder was an NJCAA second team All-American, hitting .467 with 44 stolen bases, which stood for 16 years as the all-time record stolen base record. She was a Bi-State Conference and Region 2 first team selection.

Tipton went on to Oklahoma State, playing two seasons.

Taylor, who played for the Cowgirls in 1996 and 96, was the top pitcher for the ‘96 club which went on to the NJCAA National Tournament, posting a 36-6 record. The right-hander ranks No. 2 on the Cowgirls all-time single season records. She posted a 1.33 earned run average in ’96 en route to be named second team NJCAA All-American, while be a first team Bi-State and Region 2 first team selection.

Taylor then went on to Southwestern State University, playing just one season. She was the primary pitcher on the Lady Bulldogs first ever intercollegiate softball team. She led the team in starts with 30, posting nine wins with 101 strike outs.

The 1985 Cowgirls basketball team under the guidance of head coach Monte Madewell and assistant Bill Martin, won Connors State first-ever national championship at Senatobia, Miss., as a No. 8 seed at the national tournament, capturing a 73-71 victory over top-ranked Odessa Junior College in the championship game, to end the season with a 32-4 record.

Team members of the championship squad are Lisa McMillin, Traci Krumsiek, Carolyn Greuel, Michelle Gordon, Stacy Cunningham, Gail Cooks, Vicki Price, Jan Gilmore, Alicia Burke, Rhonda Smith, Tonya Godsby, Mannon Mahan, Wendy Sanders, DeDe McLemore, and LaDonna James.

Miller, CEO of Cross Telephone Company, has over 40 years of telecommunications experience and is a second generation in the business. He has been employed with Cross since 1963, working in all areas of the company, including repair, sales and management.

He has been very active in Muskogee as well as the communities that Cross Telephone Company serves. Miller serves on several boards such as the Foundation of Connors State College since its inception as a member of the board and also as chairman for several years.

Miller has also served as President of the Oklahoma Telephone Association, board member of the FiveStar Financial Corporation, Oklahoma State Insurance Board, Five Civilized Tribe Museum Foundation, chairman and board member of the Muskogee County Excise Board, and the Muskogee Country Club.

He has also worked closely with the Shriners in helping crippled and burned children, local ball teams and school related functions.

Former TU American, NFL Star Speaks to Connors State Student-Athletes

Jerry Ostroski

Jerry Ostroski, former University of Tulsa All-American and an 8-year pro with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills addressed 125 athletes Wednesday night at the Connors State College Westbrook Library Auditorium telling the athletes to “take advantage of your opportunity”

Ostroski, who started 108 games for the Bills as an offensive lineman, after being cut three times by Kansas City and Atlanta stressed to the student-athletes to “make the most of the opportunity.

“But the real opportunity is to ask yourself is.. what are you really doing with this opportunity. Are you wasting it or using it to the best of your ability?

Ostroski, who sustained several knee injuries during his NFL career stressed to the student-athletes that “it’s a grind, but you have to embrace the grind to become the best that you can be. You have to put in the time. It’s not easy

“Its what do at home and in the classroom that you bring to athletics that makes you a better athlete, by putting in the time. You don’t need to be out on the weekend, drinking, smoking or driving around with friends when you can be working on your game.

“You don’t need to be blowing five days a week of hard work on two days of weekend trouble and getting right back where you started,” said Ostroski.

Ostroski told the student-athletes he wanted to attend Penn State, but the opportunity wasn’t there. He was recruited by TU’s George Henshaw, who left before he enrolled his freshman season and played four years under Dave Rader, where he played in two bowl games.

“It was my dream to play by Penn State, but wasn’t given the opportunity, and I embraced the TU opportunity. That’s what I telling these student athletes take advantage of the opportunity they have and make the most of it. I thought many times of returning home to Pennsylvania but I wanted to make my parents proud and that’s what you should want.

“There is no magic formula for success. You just have to grind it out. Only one percent of college athletes become pro athletes. But this time (college) is the best time of our life. Embrace the grind and take advantage of the opportunity,” said Ostroski.

Fall Softball and Baseball Schedules Announced

  Connors State softball coach Rick Carbone and baseball coach Perry Keith have announced their fall schedules for the Cowgirls and Cowboys.

The Cowgirls have scheduled eight playing dates with their first home game on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. against Murray State. The Cowgirls will open the fall season on Sept. 4 at Independence (Kan.) Community College.

The Cowboys will have 18 playing dates with their first home game Sept. 6 with Carl Albert at 4 p.m.

Cowgirls softball schedule:

September: 4 at Independence CC 2 p.m.; 8 at Southeastern State 10 a.m.; 11 Murray State 1 p.m.; 18 at Arkansas Tech 4 p.m.; 20 at Northeastern State 2:30 p.m.; 23/24 Mid-South Tournament (Bixby) TBA.

October: 5-7 OU Festival (Norman) TBA; 11  Crowder CC 2 p.m.

 Cowboys baseball schedule:

September: 6 Carl Albert 4 p.m.; 13 at Bacone 1 p.m.; 15 Allen County (Jenks) Noon; 18 Crowder 1 p.m.; 22 Northern Noon; 23 at Southeastern State Noon; 27 at Carl Albert 12:30 p.m.; 29 OCAC Festival (Jenks) 10 p.m.

October: 2 at Crowder College 2 p.m.; 3  Ontario Blue Jays 4 p.m.; 4  Ontario Blue Jays 11 a.m.; 5 OSU Festival (Stillwater) 4 p.m.; 11 at Rogers State Noon; 15 Murray State 3 p.m.; 16 at Northern Enid noon; 23 at Murray State 11 a.m.; 25 at East Central University Noon; 30 Scout Day 11 a.m.

Barton and Cook Earn NJCAA Pinnacle Academic Excellence

Connors State baseball players Jake Barton and Braden Cook have been awarded the 2011-12 National Junior College Athletic Association Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence it was announced by the NJCAA headquarters in Colorado, Springs, Col.

Barton, sophomore infielder form Stilwell, Okla. and Cook, a sophomore infielder from Chickasha, Okla., recorded 4.0 grade point averages during the academic year at Connors State College.

Barton and Cook were among 1,680 NJCAA student-athletes who met the requirements for individual academic honors.

Nearly 60,000 student-athletes competed in the NJCAA for the 2011-2012 academic year on over 3,500 teams in 28 different sports.

The 2011-2012 season marks the 29^th year the NJCAA has recognized the success of its student-athletes in the classroom. With minimal changes, the NJCAA academic awards program has been in place since 1983.

Nine Cowboys Sign Baseball Letters of Intent

Nine Connors State College baseball players have signed National Letters-of-Intent to continue their playing careers, announced Cowboys head baseball coach Perry Keith.

Signing letters-of-intent are Chris Tavares, catcher from Brooklyn, N.Y., with University of Texas San Antonio; ;pitcher/infielder Jared Graham from Tulsa, with Rogers State University; infielder Braden Cook from Chickasha with Southwestern Oklahoma State; outfielder Ryan Clarke with Missouri Baptist University; pitcher Kylar Trumbla from Westville with University of Central Oklahoma; infielder Jacob Barton from Stilwell with Southwestern Oklahoma State; pitcher Chris Romano from Markham, Ontario, Canada with Missouri Baptist University; pitcher Jordan Morales from Hatillo, Puerto Rico with Missouri Baptist University and pitcher Devan Rinehart from Gore with Mid-American Christian University.

Decade of Athletic Excellence

Connors State College under the guidance of Athletic Director Bill Muse the Cowboys and Cowgirls athletic teams have an unprecedented record over the past decade.

Connors State has won 10 conference championships, 6 Region II Championships, appeared in 3 National Junior College Athletic National Basketball Tournaments, 2 NJCAA College World Series and 1 Final Four.

No other Oklahoma state junior college athletic department has recorded as many feats as the Cowboys and Cowgirls in the past 10-year period.

CSC Golf Scramble July 13

Connors State Athletic Department will hold a scramble golf tournament July 13 at Cobblestone Creek Golf Course in Muskogee, announced CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse.

 The teams will consist of four players per team and the cost is $100 per player.

 All proceeds from the tournament will go to student-athletic scholarships at Connors State.

 For more information contact Bill Muse at 918-463-6231.

Cowboys Fall to Eastern in Region 2 Title Game

JENKS – Connors State could not overcome an early 8-1 deficit against Eastern State in the championship game of the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament Sunday at Hinch Field and the Cowboys’ season came to an end falling to the Mountaineers 12-8.

Connors advanced to the title game by defeating Seminole State 11-4 in an elimination game. The Cowboys end the year 35-24 while Eastern advances to the NJCAA South Central District tournament next week in Missouri with a 36-19 record.

“We let the first two innings get away from us and just couldn’t overcome them’: said Connors State head coach Perry Keith. “They really didn’t hit anything, we just had a lot of walks and hit batsman.”

The Cowboys used four pitchers, starter Jordan Morales, relievers Arnaldo Hernandez, Chad Backward and Bernard Sawyer against the Mountaineers. The four combined for six walks and six hit batters, while scattering 10 base hits.

“Jordan wasn’t really wild, he was just out of the zone just enough, said Keith. “If we could just have gotten ahead of them. We got close.

“But what a great testament for these kids. We could have mailed it in when we were down 8-1. But we kept chipping away. This guys showed how big a heart they have. I am so proud of them. They’ve been through so much as a group and hung in there. They gave themselves a chance.”

In the championship game against Eastern State, Connors scored in the top of the first without a base hit. Angel Flores opened the game with a walk and following a Jake Barton sacrifice, Flores moved to third on a wild pitch.  Flores then scored on an infield error on a Victor Claudio ground ball for a 1-0 Cowboys lead.

Eastern responded with a 4-run first, on two base hits and an error, against Morales for a 4-1 Mountaineers lead.

Mountaineers made it an 8-1 contest with four runs in the second, as Connors used two relief pitchers in the inning Hernandez, who took over for Morales followed by Backward for Hernandez.

Cowboys fought back to make it 8-4 on a pair of home runs. Barton connected on a solo blast over the left field wall. Diedrick then walked and came home on Chris Tavares two-run blast to make it 8-4.

Connors made it an 8-6 game in the fourth with two runs on two base hits, RBI single by Diedrick that scored Flores and Barton scored on an Eastern error.

Eastern added two runs in the last of the fifth on a 2-run RBI base hit by Codey McElroy, giving the Mountaineers a 10-6 lead.

Cowboys continued to chip away at Eastern’s lead scoring in the sixth slicing the Mountaineers lead to 10-7. Flores scored on a fly ball to left field by Tavares that was dropped which allow Flores to score.

The score got closer in the top of the seventh when CSC’s Braden Cook hit a solo home run over the right field wall making it a 10-8 contest which was as close the Cowboys managed. Eastern added two more runs in their half of the seventh.

Against Seminole State the Cowboys rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the opener erupting for five runs in the fourth inning and four more in the fifth for an 11-4 advantage. It was a lead that Seminole could not overcome as Kylar Trumbla in relief of Caleb Banks got the win.

Trumbla went 6 innings, scattering five hits and walking just 2, while striking out four in getting the win.

Cowboys had 7 base hits with Cook leading the attack with a 3-for-5 performance, including a RBI and three runs scored. Diedrick continued his home run assault with a 2-run blast over the right field wall in the fifth inning.

Seminole entered the tournament ranked No. 7 in the NJCAA and the No. 2 seed. The Trojans close the year 41-15.

Four Cowboys were named to the All-Tournament team, Diedrick, Cook, Flores and Chris Romano.

Cowboys Rip Rose; Play for Region 2 Title

JENKS – Connors State behind the pitching of Chris Romano and the power hitting of Phil Diedrick and Angel Flores, overwhelmed Rose State 10-3 at Hinch Field Saturday to advance to the championship game of the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament.

Connors (35-23) will play the winner between Seminole State and Eastern State, at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Trojans and Mountaineers played the late game Saturday.

“We got to Sunday and that’s what counts,” said a jubilant Connors State head coach Perry Keith.

Romano threw his first complete 9-innning game of the year in recording the win. Romano is 3-3 on the season. The sophomore right hander from Markham Ontario, Canada, scattered 7 hits, and struck out nine, while walking two and hitting two batters.

“Romano was just awesome,” said Keith. “He got a little tired in the middle, but found his way back and got Rose to hit balls right at our guys in the middle innings. He was just great. We were able to hit them in the mouth at the git-go and he came out and didn’t let them peck away.”

Diedrick went 2-for-4 at the plate with 3 runs-batted-in that included a 3-run homer in the first inning. He also scored three times. Flores was a 3-for-4 at the plate, including a home run with an RBI and scored twice, with Eli Roundtree going 2-for-4 and two runs scored.

“Phil (Diedrick) has gotten better and better,” said Keith. “It’s all about strike zone with him and he  really has lifted us. Angel makes us go and we have started to put it all together. These guys believe in themselves and we’ve got to Sunday and that’s all you can do.”

The Cowboys jumped on Rose starting pitcher Chalmer Wyatt, who last only 1/3 of an inning, giving up 5 Connors runs on four base hits in the first inning.

The big blow in the inning was a 3-run blast by Diedrick over the over the right field wall. Diedrick’s homer, his 7th of the season, plated Flores who reached on a single to right field. Jake Barton’s fly ball to right field was misplayed and was dropped by the Raiders’ Brandon Weddie.

Keith Korey drew a walk, and Eli Roundtree singled to right field and both came home on Braden Cook’s double off the centerfield wall, giving the Cowboys a 5-0 lead.

Connors increased its lead to 6-0 in the top of the second when Diedrick, who collected his second base hit, scored on Victor Claudio’s double to the left field fence.

Rose put its first run on the scoreboard in their half of the second, taking advantage of two Cowboys’ throwing errors and a sacrifice fly, cutting CSC’s lead to 6-1.

Cowboys’ home run barrage continued in the fourth inning as Flores connected for his first homer of the season, a solo shot over the center field wall, giving Connors a 7-1 advantage.

Connors kept its offensive attack going in the fifth, with two more base hits to put a run across the plate. Roundtree, who singled to right field, scored on Flores’ third base hit of the game, a single to left field, giving the Cowboys a comfortable 8-1 lead.

Cowboys made it a 10-1 game in the sixth with two more runs. Tavares sent home Barton with a double to right field and Keith’s sacrifice fly plated Diedrick.  Barton had reached on a walk and Diedrick on a fielder’s choice.

Cowboys Stay Alive in Region 2 Play; Oust NEO

JENKS – Connors State rallied from a 2-0 deficit by pounding out 15 base hits, including three home runs to rout top-seed Northeastern A&M 10-2 and advance in the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament Friday at Hinch Field.

Cowboys will take a 34-23 record into Saturday’s elimination game at 3:30 p.m. against the loser of Seminole State and Eastern State. A Cowboy win in Saturday’s game would mean a second game at 7 p.m. Northeastern A&M closes the season 35-14.

It took the Cowboys five innings before it warmed up it bats, scoring three runs in the fifth, one in the eighth and six in the ninth frame, which included two home runs.

Phil Diedrick led the Cowboys hitting attack with a 3-for-3 performance, which included a two-run homer in the ninth inning. Chris Tavares connected on a solo blast in the ninth and Braden Cook hit a solo homer in the eighth.

Kelvin Rivas got the win on the mound going seven innings, scattering six hits, walking seven. Rivas is now 7-1 for the season. Caleb Banks pitched the final two innings facing six NEO batters, and not giving up a hit.

NEO took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Rivas was touched for two base hits and walked home the Norsemen’s first run after the Norsemen loaded the bases on a base hit, fielder’s choice and a base hit. The second NEO run came on an RBI single by Samuel Dominque.

Connors’ Diedrick saved a run when after fly ball put out right field, threw a perfect strike to Tavares to nail Calvin Ellis at the plate to complete a double play.

Connors struck for three runs in the fifth inning on just one base hit, two fielder’s choices, an error and a wild pitch.

Ryan Clarke opened the fifth by reaching on an error, followed by an Angel Flores single to left field. Jake Barton then reached on a fielder’s choice to load the bases. Diedrick singled to right field scoring Clarke for the Cowboys’ first run. Barton then tied the game at 2-2 when he scored on a wild pitch.

Tavares then reached on a fielder’s choice and Victor Claudio drove home Diedrick with a fly ball to center field, giving Connors a 3-2 lead.

Cook opened the eighth inning with a towering home run over the left field wall, giving Connors State a 4-2 lead. It was Cook’s 4^th home run of the season.

Connors assault continued in the 9^th when Diedrick blasted a two-run homer over the centerfield wall at the 370-foot mark, giving the Cowboys a 6-2 lead. Diedrick’s blast, his 6th of the season, plated Barton, who had reached on a walk.

NEO replaced Travis Remillard, who took over for Norse starter Dany Coulombe in the sixth, was greeted on the first pitch by Tavares’ solo blast over the left field fence for a 7-2 Cowboys lead. It was Tavares’ 7^th homer of the year.

Claudio followed with a double and moved to third on Korey Keith’s infield base hit that sent Kyle Willard to the showers for NEO and he was replaced by Ricardo Rivera. Rivera was greeted by an RBI single by Cook up the middle that scored Claudio for an 8-2 CSC lead.

Connors made it 10-2 when Flores doubled to left center field scoring Keith and Cook.

Cowboys Fall to Seminole in Region 2 Tournament

TULSA --- Seminole State pounded out 11 base hits and took advantage of 11 walks, and three hits batsman en route to a 14-6 win over Connors State in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament at Hinch Field Thursday.

The loss drops the Cowboys (33-23) into the loser’s bracket at noon against the loser of Northeastern A&M (35-12) and Arkansas Baptist (23-33) which was played late Thursday night.

Cowboys led only once in the game and that was in the top of the first 1-0 when Jake Barton scored on a base hit by Victor Claudio to center field.

The NJCAA No. 5-ranked Trojans took the lead in the last of the first with two runs against Cowboys’ starter Jordan Morales, who took the loss. Morales was the first of four Connors pitchers in the game.

The Cowboys tied the game at 2-2 in the third when Phil Diedrick reached on a shot down the right field line and scored when Korey Keith hit into a double play that allowed Diedrick to score.

 Seminole added two more runs in their half of the  third for a 4-2 advantage  before Connors cut the Trojans lead to one, 4-3 in the top of the fourth when Barton, came home on a RBI single by Chris Tavares to left field.

The Trojans added a run in their half of the fourth for a 5-3 lead. Connors scored a run in the fourth on an Angel Flores base hit to left field that plated Keith, who had reached base on a strike out, but the catcher, mishandle the pitch allowing him to reach first base.

That was the closet the Cowboys would get to Seminole as they struck for five runs in the last of the fifth for a 10-4 advantage.

In the sixth Tavares connected on a solo home run over the leftfield wall making it a 10-5 game. Seminole added three runs in the seventh to make it 13-5 and another in the 8^th inning for a 14-5 lead.

Connors final run came in the ninth when Ryan Clarke, who reached on a walk, scored on Diedrick’s base hit to right field.

Claudio and Travers led the Connors hitting attack with three hits each

Cowboys Open Region 2 Tournament Play Thursday

Connors State opens play in the Region 2 Baseball Tournament on Thursday at Jenks High School’s Hinch Field.

The Cowboys (33-22) will battle Seminole State (39-13) at 3:30 p.m. Other opening round games in the double elimination tournament has Northeastern A&M (35-12) playing Arkansas Baptist (23-33)  at 7 p.m. and Rose State (29-22) meeting Eastern State (32-19) at noon.

A Cowboys win over Seminole would advance CSC into Friday’s winner’s bracket game at 3:30 against the winner of Rose State and Eastern. A loss and the Cowboys fall into loser’s bracket match at noon Friday against the NEO and Arkansas Baptist loser.

The semifinals begin at noon Saturday and championship games is Sunday at 1 p.m. A second game if necessary will be played at 4 p.m.

Seven Cowboys Receive Region 2 Honors

Four Connors State Cowboys were named to the Region 2 All-Region second team baseball squad and three were named honorable mention.

Named to the second team were outfielder Angel Flores, pitcher Kelvin Rivas, catcher Chris Tavares and first baseman Korey Keith. Tavares and Keith were named to the Gold Glove team.

Honorable mention selections were outfielders Phil Diedrick, Ryan Clarke and pitcher Jordan Morales.

Cowboys Sweep Arkansas Baptist to Close Regular Season

Connors State Cowboys closed out the regular season on a successful note sweeping a doubleheader from Arkansas Baptist 6-2 and 11-2 at Biff Thompson Field Saturday.

The Cowboys will enter next week’s Region II Baseball Tournament at Jenks with a 33-22 record.

In the opener Kelvin Rivas pitched a complete game to improve his record to 6-1 on the season. Rivas scattered 6 hits and struck out 8 in going the distance.

At the plate it was Phil Diedrick leading the assault with two home runs. Diedrick put Connors out front with a solo blast over the right field wall in the first and then launched a 3-run homer in the fifth. Diedrick now has five home runs on the season.

In the second game kelvin Banks got the win on the mound for CSC going 8 of the 9 innings. Banks is now 2-0 on the hill. He gave up just four hits and struck out five.

The game was scoreless entering the second inning when Cowboys took the lead for good with 3 runs. Korey Keith opened the frame with a single followed by bases hit from Jiro Morales and Ryan Clarke to load the bases.

Angel Flores drew a walk that sent Keith home for the first run. Jake Barton lifted a sacrifice fly to drive home Morales for a 2-0 CSC advantage, followed by a Diedrick base hit sending Clarke home for a 3-0 Cowboys’ lead.

Connors added a run in the third for a 4-0 Cowboys advantage and put the game away with a four run burst in the fifth for an 8-1 CSC lead

Cowboys hitting attack with led by Flores with three hits, while Diedrick, Victor Claudio, Keith, Morales and Clarke with two hits each.

Cowboys Lose Twice to Arkansas Baptist

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Connors State fell twice to Arkansas Baptist 9-8 and 16-8 in a non-conference baseball doubleheader Thursday.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 31-22. The two clubs will close out the regular season with a doubleheader on Saturday at Biff Thompson Field beginning at 1 p.m.

In the opener the Cowboys trailed 3-1 entering the fifth inning and grabbed a 5-3 lead before the Buffaloes struck for  6 runs in their half of the inning to take a 9-5 advantage.

Connors’ Eli Roundtree singled followed by a Ryan Clarke walk to open the fifth frame. Angel Flores doubled to plate both Roundtree and Clarke to tie the game at 3-3. Jake Barton sent home Flores to give the Cowboys a 4-3 lead. The final run of the inning came across when Phil Diedrick drove home Barton for a 5-3 Connors lead.

Following Arkansas Baptist’s 6-run explosion, Connors scored three runs in the sixth to make it 9-8. Korey Keith doubled to open the inning, and moved to third on a fielders’ choice and scored on Braden Cook’s sacrifice fly. Clarke then singled and Barton followed with a walk before Flores doubled to score both Clarke and Barton for the 9-8 final.

Jordan Morales took the loss for the Cowboys on the mound.

In the nightcap Connors’ Chad Backward started and took the loss and is now 7-3. Cowboys took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Arkansas Baptist held an 8-2 lead before the Cowboys scored 6 runs in the fifth inning to tie the game.

The Buffaloes outscored Connors 8-0 the final two innings of play to get the win. Keith had three base hits in the nightcap for 3 RBIS, and Flores also knocked out 2 hits.

Errors in 9th Doom Cowboys Against NEO

WARNER –Three errors in the ninth inning proved costly for Connors State as Northeastern A&M broke a 6-6 tie to score six runs and capture a 12-7 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball victory over the Cowboys at Biff Thompson Field Sunday.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 31-20 and 5-11 in league play. Connors will battle Murray State at 6 p.m. Monday at Thompson Field.

Caleb Banks, who came in relief in the fourth inning, trailing 4-0, going 5 2/3 innings to take the loss. Banks gave up a 2-run homer in the sixth that gave NEO a 6-0 advantage.

Connors battled back to tie the game in the 8^th inning at 6-6, before Banks gave up a solo homer to give the Norsemen the lead 7-6 in the ninth. After the solo shot, Connors committed three errors which led to five unearned runs in the frame.

Cowboys scored their first run in the sixth when Jake Barton walked and scored on a Korey Keith fielders’ choice in the sixth inning to make it 6-1.  In the seventh CSC’s Braden Cook doubled, followed by walks to Ryan Clarke and Angel Flores to load the bases.

Phil Diedrick drove a base hit up the middle to send home Cook and Clarke cutting NEO’s lead to 6-3.  Connors came back in the 8^th inning to tie the game when Eli Roundtree scored on a Clarke RBI base hit, making it 6-4. Flores was then hit by a pitch to reach base. Then with Clarke at third base, he came home on a wild pitch to make it a 6-5 game. Flores scored for the deadlock on an infield single by Barton.

Chris Tavares led the CSC hitting attack with three hits, with Victor Claudio and Clarke with two hits each.

Cowboys Rally Past Northeastern A&M

Connors State scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Northeastern A&M 3-2 for an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball victory Friday night at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys are 30-19 for the year and 4-10 in OCAC play and will travel to Miami Saturday for Game 3 of the four game series. The Norsemen are 28-11 and 7-5 in league play.

Connors tied the game with one out in the ninth when Braden Cook walked, and Ryan Clarke then moved him to second on a sacrifice bunt. Angel Flores ripped a base hit to left field, but Cook wasn’t able to score from second.

Flores’ base hit put Cowboys at third and first base. Jake Barton followed with a single to send Cook home to tie the game at 2-2.

 The winning run came home when Phil Diedrick’s one-hop shot bounced off NEO’s shortstop and went into left centerfield, allowing Flores to score the winning run.

Connors jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Clarke singled and then stole second base. Clarke moved to third base on a wild pitch and scored on a Barton sacrifice fly.

The Norsemen took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on Cowboys starter Kelvin Rivas. Rivas was relieved by Kylar Trumbla, who went the rest of the way to get the win. Trumbla allowed just two hits, in four innings, striking out six, walking just one.

Cowboys Fall to NEO in 11 Innings

MIAMI – Connors State sustained a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to Northeastern A&M 5-4 in 11 innings Thursday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball clash.

The two clubs will play Game 2 of the four-game series at Biff Thompson Field Friday at 6 p.m. The Cowboys enter with a 29-20 season mark and 3-10 in OCAC play. NEO is now 27-10 for the season.

Cowboys held a 2-1 lead in the last of the ninth when the Norsemen tied the contest and sent it into extra innings.

Connors took a 4-2 lead in the 11^th inning but could not hold the lead. Jordan Morales went 9 innings for CSC on the mound, giving up two runs, 7 hits, walking 3 and striking out 8 before giving way to Jordan Romano in the 10^th inning. Romano took the loss and is now 2-1 for the year.

Cowboys grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Victor Claudio singled, and came home on Ryan Clarke’s base hit.  NEO tied the game at 1-1 in the third before the Cowboys regained the lead in the sixth inning 2-1.

Korey Keith singled, followed by Claudio’s second base hit of the game. Both runners then moved up on a sacrifice bunt. Keith then scored on a wild pitch.

In the last of the ninth, NEO put together three consecutive base hits to tie the game at 2-2.  Connors regained the lead in the top of the 11^th when Phil Diedrick doubled and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Tavares. Diedrick then scored on a wild pitch for a 3-2 CSC advantage. After Hunter Spencer walked and moved to third, he scored on a fielders’ choice by Clarke, giving the Cowboys a 4-2 lead.

Romano in relief of Morales, failed to hold the lead, as he had a strike out, gave up a double, walked one and hit another batter. A balk was also called for the tying run.

Carl Albert Drops Cowboys

Carl Albert State College dropped Connors State 14-5 in a non-conference baseball clash Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Cowboys are now 29-18 on the season and will open a four-game Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference series on Thursday against Northeastern A&M in Miami.

The Vikings took a 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Cowboys grabbed the lead with three runs in their half of the first. Angel Flores, Jake Barton and Phil Diedrick all walked to load the bases. Jiro Morales single to plate Barton and Flores tying the game at 2-2. Connors took the lead when Korey Keith’s sacrifice fly scored Diedrick for the lead.

Carl Albert erupted for six runs in the second inning for an 8-3 lead. Connors made it 8-4 in the fourth when Keith doubled and scored on Victor Claudio’s single. The Vikings put the game away with six runs in the sixth. C.J. Machete (2-4) took the loss for the Cowboys.

Eastern State Run-Rules Cowboys

Eastern State won its third game of the four-game series with Connors State Sunday at Biff Thompson Field capturing a 14-1 run-rule Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball victory on Alumni Day.

Connors, falls to 29-17 and 3-9 in OCAC action, will play host to Carl Albert State College on Tuesday in a single contest at Biff Thompson Field, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Eastern State improves to 32-11 and 11-1 in league action.

The Cowboys managed only four base hits against three Mountaineer pitchers. Connors managed only five base runners in the game.

Trailing 9-0- in the sixth, the Cowboys got on the scoreboard when Ryan Clarke reached on a bunt single and scored on Jake Barton’s RBI single to center field.

The only other scoring threat by the Cowboys came in the third inning. Victor Claudio walked and following two Cowboy strikeouts, Angel Flores singled. However, both runners were stranded.

Mountaineers used two base hits and a Connors error to put two runs on the scoreboard in the second inning.

Eastern upped its lead to 6-0 in the fifth inning, pounding out three bases hits against Chad Backward, who was relieved by lefthander Kylar Trumbla. Backward (6-2) went 4 1/3 innings, scattering 8 base hits and striking out two. He did not walk a batter.

Mountaineers added three more runs in the sixth for a 9-0 lead as the Cowboys committed two errors in the frame. All three runs were scored against Trumble, who struck out one and waked two in 1 1/3 innings of work.

Cowboys’ Daniel Concepcion pitched 2/3 of an inning in the seventh inning in relief for Trumble allowed five Mountaineer runs on 3 base hits and two walks. Concepcion was relieved by C.J. Machete, who got the final out.

Cowboys Pop Eastern State

WILBURTON –Connors State broke a two-game losing streak against Eastern State with an 8-5 victory over the Mountaineers in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball clash Saturday.

The win lifts the Cowboys to 29-16 for the year and 3-8 in OCAC play as the Cowboys host Eastern in a 3 p.m. game at Biff Thompson Field Sunday. It’s CSC Alumni Day for the baseball team and a cook-out will be held at Thompson Field beginning at 1 p.m.

The Mountaineers took a 4-0 lead in the first inning on two home runs  against CSC starter Kelvin Rivas, who went seven innings and got the win. He struck out six, walked two and scattered seven hits. Chris Romano pitched the final two innings to get the save.

Cowboys cut the Mountaineers lead to 4-2 in the sixth inning  when Braden Cook walked , followed by a two-run homer by Victor Claudio, his second of the season to tie the game at 4-4.

Connors took the lead in the 8^th-inning when Korey Keith doubled to center field and moved to third on Claudio’s bunt single down the first base line. Brian Clarke then plated Keith home for a 5-4 Cowboys lead.  Cowboys made it 7-4 when Angel Flores tripled home Claudio and Clarke. Jake Barton followed with a fielders’ choice to score Flores for an 8-4 advantage.

Eastern added a run in the last of the eighth inning.

Eastern Wins Game 2 Against Cowboys

WILBURTON – Eastern State took game two of the four-game series with Connors State Wednesday with a 10-0 run-rule seven inning victory on the Mountaineers home field.

Connors State falls to 28-16 for the year and 2-8 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Eastern remains unbeaten in OCAC play at 7-0 and 31-8 for the season.

The two clubs will play Game 3 on Saturday at Eastern at 1 p.m. with Game 4 on Sunday at Biff Thompson Field at 3 p.m.

Cowboys managed only four hits against the Mountaineers with Phil Diedrick collecting two, a single and double.

Connors and Eastern were scoreless entering the fifth inning when the Mountaineers scored four in the fifth, four in the sixth and two runs in the seventh for the 10-0 victory.

Eastern Drops Cowboys

Eastern State remained unbeaten in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play blasting two home runs en route to an 8-1 victory over Connors State Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Connors falls to 28-15 for the season and 2-7 in OCAC play, while the Mountaineers go to 30-8 and 6-0 in league play. The two teams collide again on Wednesday at Wilburton.

Cowboys’ Jordan Morales took the loss for going six innings, scattering four base hits, and walking four. Morales is now 3-4 for the year.

Two Eastern pitchers held Connors to eight base hits, while the Cowboys stranded 16 base runners.

Eastern broke open a scoreless tie in the third inning when Jacob Rose connected on a three-run homer over the left centerfield wall off Morales.

Cowboys missed scoring opportunities in the first and second inning leaving the bases loaded in both innings.

Connors made it a 3-1 game in its half of the third when Korey Keith doubled home Eli Roundtree, who had reached on a fielders’ choice. However, for the third consecutive inning the Cowboys left the bases loaded.

Eastern used the long ball again to increase its advantage in the fifth as Codey McElroy blasted a two-run homer over the left field wall, giving the Mountaineers a 5-1 lead.

Mountaineers made it 6-1 in the sixth on a base hit, sacrifice bunt and fielders’ choice.

Mountaineers added to their total with two runs and an 8-1 lead in the seventh. Sawyer Barnard came in relief for Morales walking two, and hitting a batter before being relieved by Arnaldo Hernandez, who entered with the bases loaded.

Cowboys Blast Rhema Bible Twice with Long Ball

Connors State used the long ball in blasting visiting Rhema Bible College 18-0 and 11-0 in run-ruled five innings games at Biff Thompson Field Monday.

The twin bill killing upped the Cowboys’ record to 28-14 as they play host to Eastern State College in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash at Thompson Field at 7 p.m.

In the opener Phil Diedrick blasted a 3-run homer, his third of the season, followed by a grand slam by Braden Cook, his third of the year.

In the night cap Eli Roundtree connected on this seventh home run, a two-run blast, Caleb Banks connected on a two-run homer, his second of the year and Hunter Spencer ripped three homers, for five on the season. Spencer’s homers were a 2-run shot, and two solo homers.

Cowboys Snap Losing Streak, Drop No. 10 Seminole State

SEMINOLE – Connors State snapped a three-game losing streak to Seminole State with a 6-1 victory over the 10^th-ranked Trojans Saturday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The victory lifts the Cowboys to 26-14 on the season and 2-6 in OCAC play.

Cowboys’ starting pitcher Kelvin Rivas went 7-of-9 innings to get the win. The right-hander pitched seven innings of shutout ball, scattering four hits, striking out 10 in recording his third win of the season against one defeat.

Rivas got plenty of offensive help. Connors struck for four runs in the fifth inning to break a 0-0 deadlock.

Cowboys’ Korey Keith opened the fifth with a single and Corey Mills followed with a base hit, advancing Keith to second base. Angel Flores doubled to send home Keith with the first Connors run. Jake Barton made it 2-0 Connors on a base hit that plated Mills. Phil Diedrick unleashed the third Cowboys base hit of the inning to score Flores for a 3-0 Connors lead. The fourth CSC run came on a Chris Tavares RBI single that sent Barton home and a 4-0 CSC advantage.

Connors added to its total in the seventh inning for a 6-0 lead with two more runs before the Trojans scored its only run of the game in the ninth.

The Cowboys had multiple hit game from Tavares, Keith and Braden Cook with two hits each.

Connors will return to play on Monday to play Rhema Bible College at Biff Thompson Field.

Seminole State Drops Cowboys

Seminole State captured an 11-1 win over Connors State in eight innings Friday at Biff Thompson Field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The two clubs will meet again on Saturday at Seminole. Connors enters the game with a 25-14 record and 2-6 in league play.

Cowboys managed just four hits in the game as Seminole scored eight runs in the second inning. Connors scored its only run of the game in the second when Korey Keith plated Eli Roundtree, who opened the inning with a triple.

Chris Romano took the loss for the Cowboys on the mound. Keith and Braden Cook each had two hits in the game.

Seminole Strikes Late to Drop Cowboys

SEMINOLE—Connors State jumped out to an early lead against 10^th-ranked Seminole State Thursday night, but could not hold the lead as the Trojans took an 11-6 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory.

The Cowboys will meet the Trojans for a third consecutive night on Friday at Biff Thompson Field at 6 p.m. Connors will enter the game with a 25-13 overall record and 2-5 in OCAC play.

Connors jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Seminole on the strength of Chris Tavares’ 3-run homer, his fifth of the season.

Seminole struck back with three runs in the first off Cowboys starter Eli Roundtree, who was relieved by Caleb Banks. Banks pitched eight innings and took the loss, who is now 2-1.

Connors regained the lead in the third inning 6-5 when Roundtree connected for his third homer of the season, a 3-run shot over the left field wall. Seminole tied the game in their half of the third.

Seminole took the lead for good in the fifth with two more runs for an 8-6 advantage and added three more in the seventh on a 3-run homer for the 11-6 final.

Both clubs pounded out nine hits each.

Cowboys Lose Heartbreaker to No. 10 Seminole

 Connors State error in the ninth inning opened the door for 10^th-ranked Seminole State as Cowboys starter Jordan Morales, who had pitched superb baseball through eight innings gave up two of his five hits in the ninth and walked another, as the Trojans rallied for a 2-1 win at Biff Thompson Field Wednesday night.

The Cowboys managed only three base hits against three Seminole pitchers, while stranding 10 base runners.

Morales, who went the distance, fell to 3-3, as the Cowboys are now 25-12 for the year and 2-4 in OCAC play. The Trojans are 26-9 and will host the Cowboys Thursday in a single game. Morales scattered five base hits and walked four while striking out seven.

Cowboys broke a scoreless ballgame in the seventh inning, finally getting to Seminole starter Billy Waltrip. The lefthander had kept Connors at bay with 10 strikeouts and just two base hits, before being relieved in the last of the seventh by Steve Williams. Williams was relieved in the ninth by Nick Pettus, who struck out three CSC batters after Angel Flores opened the inning with a walk.

Connors took a 1-0 lead in the seventh without getting a base hit. After a strikeout by Korey Keith to open the inning, Victor Claudio walked and then moved to second base on a balk by Waltrip.

Jiro Morales then walked and Mark Maddox entered as a pinch runner. Angel Flores struck out for the second out of the inning. Jake Barton’s ground ball to short was mishandled for an error to load the bases.

Phil Diedrick ran the count on Waltrip to 2-2 when he was hit by a pitch by the lefthander to force in Claudio, giving the Cowboys a 1-0 lead.

Connors only other scoring threats came in the first, second and fourth innings when they left base runners at second base.

Cowboys Lose Heartbreaker to NOC-Enid in 11 innings

ENID –Connors State pounded out nine base hits but left 12 base runners on base, falling to Northern Oklahoma-Enid 6-5 in 11 innings Monday night at David Allen Field.

The loss leaves the Cowboys at 25-11 on the year. Connors will return to Oklahoma Collegiate Conference play Wednesday against Seminole State at Biff Thompson Field at 6:30 p.m.

The Jets pushed across the winning run in the 11^th with two outs when Arnaldo Hernandez walked in the winning run, who is now 2-1 on the season.

Cowboys trailed 4-1 in the sixth inning when Eli Roundtree connected for a 3-run homer to tie the game at 4-4, his fifth of the season. Connors regained the lead in the 8^th inning when Braden Cook walked, and advanced on a bunt single by Victor Claudio. Jake Barton then hit into a fielders’ choice that allowed Cook to score giving Connors a 5-4 advantage.

NOC-Enid tied the game in the ninth on a solo home run by Logan Bradley to knot the game at 5-5, which set the stage in the 11^th inning. Connors used three pitchers that limited the Jets to just five hits for the contest.

Cowboys Split Twin Bill with Rose State

WARNER—Connors State split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader with Rose State Saturday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field. The Cowboys won the opener 2-1 and fell in the nightcap 3-2.

The split left the Cowboys at 25-10 on the season and 2-3 in OCAC play. Connors will travel to Enid, on Monday to play Northern Oklahoma-Enid.

Chris Romano pitched a complete game in the opener to remain unbeaten on the mound with a 3-0 record. Romano gave up just three hits, striking out five and walking two.

Cowboys grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jake Barton doubled and scored on Chris Tavares RBI single. Connors upped its lead to 2-0 in the fourth inning when Eli Roundtree connected for a solo home run over the right field wall, his fourth of the year. Rose State scored its only run in the seventh inning.

In the nightcap, Connors managed only five base hits and left 12 base runners on base in the loss. The Cowboys took a 1-0 lead in their half of the first when Phil Diedrick singled and moved to second base on a walk to Tavares.

Diedrick crossed home plate on a single by Braden Cook for the lead. That margin stood up until the fifth inning when Connors’ J.C. Machete gave up a three-run homer. Machete took the loss and is now 2-3 on the year.

Connors had scoring opportunities in the sixth, seventh, eighth and nine innings, but could not come up with the timely base hit with runners on base.

Rose State Sweeps Cowboys

MIDWEST CITY --- Rose State swept Connors State Thursday afternoon, 3-2 in 11 innings in the opener and in the night cap 8-2 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader on the Raiders’ home field.

The Cowboys are now 24-9 on the year and 1-3 in OCAC play. Connors will play host to Rose State on Saturday at 1 p.m. in a doubleheader at Biff Thompson Field.

Rose took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on a solo home run of the opener before the Cowboys took the lead in the sixth inning with two runs.

Victor Claudio doubled to open the inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Angel Flores to tie the game at 1-1. Cowboys took the lead when Jake Barton singled and moved to third on Phil Diedrick’s base hit. Barton then scored on a wild pitch for a 2-1 Cowboys lead.

The Raiders tied the game in the seventh inning with two outs to send the game into extra innings and pushed a run across in the 11^th for the victory.

Jordan Morales went eight innings for the Cowboys, striking out eight and walked two. He was relieved by Daniel Concepcion, who took the loss. Concepcion is now 3-2 on hill.

Connors’ Chad Backward sustained his first loss of the year on the mound for the Cowboys. The sophomore from Salina is now 6-1 on the year.

The Cowboys scored a run in the first inning when Barton singled came home on Diedrick’s triple.

Rose regained the lead for good in their half of the first on a two-run home run and a solo home run in the second for a 3-1 advantage.

Diedrick had two hits in the loss, including his fourth home run of the season in the fourth inning.  Tavares had two hits and Korey Keith two hits.

Cowboys Rout Carl Albert

POTEAU – Connors State College used five pitchers in routing Carl Albert State College 12-0 to open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball play Tuesday afternoon.

Freshman Caleb Banks, who went 2 1/3 innings, got the win, his first of the season, as head coach Perry Keith used four other pitchers on his staff. Also seeing action on the mound for the Cowboys were Eli Roundtree, who started, C.J. Machete, Daniel Concepcion and Jordan Romano. Connors’ five pitchers allowed just four hits in posting the shutout.

The Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and added four runs in the sixth for a 6-0 lead. Connors is now 24-7 for the season and will go on the road Thursday to Midwest City to battle Rose State in an OCAC doubleheader.

In the first the Angel Flores singled to open the inning, followed by a Jake Barton base hit and a walk to Chris Tavares to load the bases. Braden Cook’s RBI single plated Flores for a 1-0 Cowboy lead. Barton then scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0.

In the four-run sixth inning, Flores walked and scored on a RBI double by Phil Diedrick for a 3-0 Connors lead. The assault continued with a double by Cook that drove home Diedrick, giving Connors a 4-0 advantage.

Korey Keith followed with a walk and Roundtree singled, plating Cook with the fifth run of the inning.  The scoring in the inning was completed with an RBI single by Victor Claudio to drive home Keith and a 6-0 Cowboys’ lead.

Connors State capped the rout in the ninth with a 3-run home run by Roundtree, his third of the season.

Cowboys hitting assault was led by Roundtree’s three base hits and four RBIs. Cook also had four hits in the game, two doubles and two singles, which included three RBIs.

Murray State Upends Cowboys

TISHOMINGO – Connors State managed only three hits and fell to Murray State 7-1 Saturday afternoon in a junior college baseball clash.

The loss left the Cowboys with a 23-7 record as they travel to Poteau to play Carl Albert State College Tuesday.

The Aggies took a 2-0 lead in the first and added two more runs in the third and three in the eighth inning for a 7-0 advantage.

Connors got on the scoreboard in the ninth when Phil Diedrick doubled and scored on a RBI single by Chris Tavares.

Kelvin Rivas, pitched only one inning and took the loss. He was relieved in the second when he developed tightness in his elbow. Rivas is now 3-1 for the season.

Cowboys Knockoff No. 5 Ranked NJCAA D-II NOC-Enid

WARNER – Connors State rallied from a 2-0 deficit with a four-run explosion in the fourth inning en route to a 5-3 win over the NJCAA’s Division II No. 5-ranked Northern Oklahoma-Enid Jets (22-8) on Armstrong Bank Night Thursday.

The victory improves the Cowboys’ record to 23-6 and will next battle Murray State on Saturday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference double header in Tishomingo.

Jordan Morales went the distance for the Cowboys in getting his third win of the year against two defeats. Morales struck out seven and scattered seven hits, while walking three.

The Jets took 2-0 lead into the fourth inning, scoring a run in the first on no hits and a Cowboys error. Enid added a run in the fourth on two base hits and another CSC error before the Cowboys exploded for four runs in its half of the fourth.

The big blow in the frame was a two-run home run by Chris Tavares over the left field wall, to tie the game at 2-2. Tavares’ blast scored Jake Barton who had reached on a single to left field.

Braden Cook then doubled to centerfield and following a Korey Keith fly out to center, Eli Roundtree was walked and Victor Claudio drove home Cook with a base hit to left field for a 3-2 Connors lead. Dalton Daniels then sent Roundtree home with the fourth run on a single to left field as Claudio was thrown out at the plate for the third out of the inning.

Connors added a run in the fifth inning when Angel Flores, who had reached on a bunt single, scored on Phil Diedrick’s sacrifice fly to centerfield for a 5-2 Cowboys lead.

The Jets made it a 5-3 game in the ninth when lead off hitter J.R. Head smashed a liner over the left field wall.

Cowboys Split with Oklahoma Wesleyan

BARTLESVILLE – Connors State split a doubleheader with Oklahoma Wesleyan Wednesday afternoon losing the opener 5-3 and taking the nightcap 10-0 in a run-ruled five-inning game.

Cowboys are now 22-6 entering Thursday night’s game with Northern Oklahoma-Enid at Biff Thompson Field. The Armstrong Bank Night game begins at 6:30 p.m.

Connors took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and Wesleyan came back with a run in its half of the first. Wesleyan took the lead for good in the third with two runs for a 3-2 advantage and added two more in the sixth for a 5-2 advantage.

Connors loaded the bases in the seventh inning and managed to only push across one run. Chris Tavares opened the frame with a walk, and Braden Cook then singled followed by Korey Keith single to load the bases. After one out by Eli Roundtree, a walk to Corey Mills forced in Tavares for the lone run of the end.

Cowboys managed only four hits in the opener with Sawyer Barnard taking the loss on the mound, going four innings.  Barnard is now 3-1 for the year.

In the nightcap it was all Connors as Chris Romano tossed a 3-hitter, striking out two in getting his second win against no defeats.

Cowboys scored a run in the second for a 1-0 lead before exploding for 6 runs in the third for a 7-0 advantage. Jake Barton had two hits, a double and home run, his second of the season while Victor Claudio connected for his first home run of the year.

Cowboys Split Twin Bill with Arkansas Tech Varsity

RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. – Connors Cowboys traveled to Arkansas to play Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys, earning a split with the Wonder Boys varsity, taking the opener 9-6 and falling in the nightcap 11-1.

The Cowboys will hit the road again Wednesday traveling to Bartlesville with a 21-5 record to play Bartlesville Wesleyan in a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

Cowboys jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening game. Angel Flores singled and Phil Diedrick was issued a walk. Flores and Diedrick both came home on a single by Braden Cook. Cook made it 3-0 when he crossed home plate on a base hit by Hunter Spencer.

It was a lead the Cowboys never relinquished. In the game Flores had two base hits and Victor Claudio pounded out three base hits, which included two singles and a double. Spencer also had two base hits for the Cowboys.

Chad Backward went six innings in getting the win, his fifth of year against no defeats. He had four strikeouts, while scattering seven hits. Arnaldo Hernandez came in relief, getting his fourth save.

In the second game Arkansas Tech jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first and the Cowboys could never recover.

Cowboys managed only five hits in the game as Daniel Concepcion took the loss for Connors and is now 3-1 for the year. Concepcion went four innings, giving up four earned runs, while striking out two.

Cowboys Sweep Bacone

Connors Cowboys swept a twin bill from Bacone College 11-10 and 6-2 Monday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field snapping a two-game losing streak.

The doubleheader wins improves the Cowboys record to 20-4 entering Tuesday’s doubleheader with Arkansas Tech at Russellville, Ark.

 Cowboys scored a run in the last of the seventh inning, breaking a 10-10 tie in the opener to get the victory. Ryan Clarke walked and then stole second base.  Clarke then scored on a RBI single into right field by Eli Roundtree for the win.

Jake Barton was 3-for-4 at the plate, including three doubles, with two RBIs. Angel Flores had two hits and two RBIs in the game.

Arnaldo Hernandez picked up this second win of the season in relief.

In the nightcap the Cowboys Kelvin Reeves went six innings to get the win, striking out 11 and allowed just two hits.

The game was scoreless through four innings when the Cowboys took a 4-0 lead on a grand slam by Roundtree, his second home run of the season. Chris Tavares opened with a walk, followed by double by Braden Cook and then Korey Keith walked followed by Roundtree’s slam off the scoreboard.

 Connors added a run in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Keith over the right field wall, his second of the season for a 5-0 Cowboys lead.

Flores pounded out two hits in the second game, along with Keith and Roundtree.

Jefferson Sweeps Connors, Winning Streak Ends

Connors State’s 14^th game winning streak came to an end in the opening game of a doubleheader with 20^th-ranked Jefferson Community College at Biff Thompson field, falling twice 3-1 and 4-3 Thursday afternoon.

Connors is now 18-4 for the season and will next play on Sunday, March 25 at Russellville, Ark., against Arkansas Tech before returning home for a twin bill against Bacone College on Monday, March 26.

Jefferson took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first of the opener and that stood up until the third inning when Connors tied the game. Dalton Daniels doubled to left field and moved to third on an infield bunt single by Ryan Clarke. Angel Flores lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Daniels to score and tie the game at 1-1.

Jefferson took advantage of a Cowboys error, a double and two sacfrices in the fourth inning to plate two runs.

The Cowboys had their opportunity to tie the game in the fifth and seventh inning, leaving the bases loaded in the seventh and two on in the seventh.

Connors had four base hits against three Jefferson County pitchers. Cowboys’ Jordan Morales took the loss and is now 3-2.

In the second game Connors took a 1-0 lead in the third when Ryan Clarke singled, stole second and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. He scored when Phil Diedrick singled up the middle.

Jefferson tied the game in the sixth inning on a bad hop single over CSC’s Victor Claudio at shortstop with two outs.

Kelvin Reeves, who started for the Cowboys went six innings before being relieved. He struck out six and allowed just three hits.

In the seventh with C.J. Machete on the mound, who took the loss (1-1), Jefferson scored on a hit batter and a single for a 2-1 lead.  CSC then tied the game when Claudio walked and Clarke was hit by a pitch putting runners at first and second. Angel Flores was issued a walk to load the bases and Jack Barton was hit by a pitch to force in Claudio to tie the game at 2-2. Connors, however, could not plate another run in the inning.

Jefferson made it a 4-2 game in the eighth inning with a double, walk, and a bunt that loaded the bases. Machete was replaced by Eli Roundtree, who gave up a hit that scored two runs.

The Cowboys had an opportunity in the last of the ninth. Connors loaded the bases and scored to make it 4-3 with nobody out. But Connors could not take advantage and left three runners on base to end the game.

Cowboys Sweep Maplewoods; Streak Continues

Connors State continued its winning ways, sweeping Maplewoods Community College 9-0 and 1-0 for its 14^thconsecutive victory in a double header at Biff Thompson Field Wednesday afternoon.

Connors, 18-2 for the season, will battle 20^th-ranked Jefferson County, Mo., Thursday in a doubleheader beginning at 2 .p.m.

In the night cap Daniel Concepcion was suburb on the mound, throwing a four hitter, striking out eight and walking one while hitting a batter.  It was Concepcion’s third win of the year against no defeats.

Connors and Maplewoods were scoreless entering the sixth inning of the night cap before the Cowboys punched across a run.

Phil Diedrick singled to left field and Mike Maddox came in to run for Diedrick. Braden Cook then singled to left field that sent Maddox to third base. Korey Keith’s infield out allowed Diedrick to come home with the deciding run.

Cowboys got on the scoreboard in the third inning to break the deadlock in the opener. Eli Roundtree doubled to the left field wall and moved to third on a base hit bunt by Victor Claudio. Ryan Clarke sent Roundtree home with a sacrifice fly to left field.

Connors erupted for six runs in the fourth inning taking advantage of three Monarchs infield errors and back-to-back home runs. Jack Barton had a three run blast over the left field wall; his second of the year and Phil Diedrick followed with a solo shot, also over the left field fence, his first of the season.

Diedrick gave the Cowboys a 9-0 lead in the sixth inning when the doubled to right field, scoring Clarke, who reached on a walk and Angel Flores, who singled to right field.

Backward went the distance for the Cowboys, allowing just two hits, and striking out two in posting his fourth win of the year and second shutout.

Cowboys had eight hits with Roundtree leading the way with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. Diedrick had two hits and three RBIs

Cowboys Hold Off Coffeyville for 12th Straight Win

COFFEYVILLE, KAN. –Connors State held off Coffeyville Community College 9-8 Tuesday afternoon to register their 12^th consecutive baseball victory. The win improves the Cowboys record to 16-2.

Connors will play host to Maplewoods Community College at Biff Thompson Field Wednesday in a doubleheader that begins at 3 p.m.

Connors jumped out to an early lead against the Red Ravens grabbing a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Angel Flores walked to open the inning and came home on Phil Diedrick triple. Diedrick crossed home plate on Braden Cook’s RBI single.

The Red Ravens came back with a run in their half of the third to make it 2-1, before the Cowboys erupted for six runs in the fifth inning for an 8-1 Connors lead. In the inning Cook had an RBI single; Eli Roundtree plated two runs with a double to highlight the Connors attack.

However, the Red Ravens came back with six runs in the sixth, scoring five unearned runs on two Connors errors to make it an 8-7 contest.

Connors answered with a run in the 8^th inning for a 9-7 advantage when Jake Barton doubled, and scored on a Cook double. Coffeyville scored a run in their half of the ninth for the 9-8 final.

Coffeyville had the tying and winning runs on third and second base, but Arnaldo Hernandez came in relief in the ninth to get the final two outs to end the Red Ravens scoring threat for his second save of the season. Chris Romano started and went 5 2/3 innings and got the win, his first of the season. Romano struck out four and scattered nine hits, allowing two earned runs.

Cook led the Cowboys hitting attack with three base hits and 3 RBIs and Roundtree had two base hits and two RBIs in the win, with Flores, Barton and Ryan Clarke contributing two hits each.

Cowboys Sweep Central Lakes; Keith Gets Win No. 1,301

WARNER – Connors State won its 11th consecutive baseball game Saturday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field sweeping Central Lakes, Minn., in a twin bill 11-0, 9-1 as Cowboys head coach Perry Keith won No. 1,301 against just 366 losses.

“I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have some very good players in getting that many wins and it’s a tribute to them for all their hard work,” said Keith following the doubleheader victory.

The twin killing gives the Cowboys a 15-2 mark for the year. Connors will next meet Coffeyville Community College on Tuesday on the road, before taking on Maplewoods, Mo., in a doubleheader at Thompson Field on Wednesday.

Connors took an early lead in the opener grabbing a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Chris Tavares walked and came across the plate for the first run on a RBI triple by Korey Keith down the right field line. Dalton Daniels followed with a double down the left field line scoring Keith for a 2-0 Connors lead.

Cowboys put the game away in the third inning when they erupted for nine runs. In the inning Connors pounded out four hits, and Central Lakes pitchers walked three Cowboys and hit another .

Tavares pounded out two hits with a RBI, while Phil Diedrick, Braden Cook and Daniels each had two RBIs in the game, which went only five innings.

Kelvin Rivas started on the mound for Connors and picked up his second win of the season.  He struck out six and allowed only one hit in four innings.

The nightcap was more of the same as Connors scored six runs in the first inning. In the inning Corey Mills had an RBI double, with Jared Graham and Hunter Spencer adding RBI singles. Mills, Caleb Banks and Mike Maddox each had two hits in the nightcap.

Connors added a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth inning. Cook doubled home two runs in the sixth frame.

Eli Roundtree allowed just one hit and struck out seven in getting his first win of the season.

Cowboys Rock University of Ozarks Twice

CLARKSVILLE, ARK. – Connors State Cowboys rolled over University of Ozarks with a doubleheader sweep on the road.

Cowboys pounded out 37 base hits in collecting wins of 19-4 and 16-3 to improve to 13-2 on the season. The doubleheader wins was also the 1,299^th for Cowboys head coach Perry Keith as he goes for win No. 1,300 at Connors with a doubleheader on Saturday at Biff Thompson Field against Central Lakes, Minn.

Cowboys jumped on Ozarks with 3 runs in the first inning and was never contested the rest of the game and added two more in the second inning for a 5-0 lead. The Cowboys put it away with a 9-run sixth inning.

Phil Diedrick, Braden Cook, Korey Keith each pounded out three hits each in the opener. Angel Flores, Ryan Clark, Chris Tavares each had two hits in the rout.

Arnaldo Hernandez, picked up his first win in relief, striking out two, allowing just two hits. He relieved C.J. Machete, who pitched three innings.

In the second game, Connors held a 3-1 lead after three innings, and broke the game open with 7 runs in the fourth inning for a 10-1 advantage.

Caleb Banks led the offensive attack with three hits and three RBIs, and a two-run home run in the fourth inning, his first of the year. Hunter Spencer also pounded out three hits. Jiros Morales also connected for a solo home run in the second inning.

Also getting in on the offensive attack were Corey Mills, Keith and Jared Graham with two base hits each.

Daniel Concepcion getting his first start, picked up the win, his second of the season, striking out sixth, giving up only three hits.

Cowboys Sweep Second Twin Bill from Central Illinois

Connors State made it four in a row over Central Illinois Sunday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field with a doubleheader sweep of the Cougars. The Cowboys rolled past the Illinois club 8-4 and 11-4, pounding out 20 base hits.

The twin bill sweep boosts the Cowboys’ record to 11-2 on the year as they travel to Clarksville, Ark., on Tuesday to battle University of Ozarks in a twin bill.

Connors broke out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the opening game. Angel Flores and Jake Barton opened the game with base hits. Flores crossed the plate with Connors first run on a base hit by Phil Diedrick. Chris Tavares followed with a sacrifice fly to send Barton home with the second run. Connors was never contested the rest of the game.

Barton blasted a two-run homer over the left field wall in the fourth inning, his first of the season. Connors hitting attack was led by Flores, who had three base hits, and an RBI, followed Barton’s two-hit performance and two RBIs.  Ryan Clarke also banged out two hits for the Cowboys.

Kylar Trumbla (1-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Sawyer Barnard. Trumbla entered in the fourth inning and pitched three complete innings, allowing two hits, striking out two.

In the second game, Connors scored on an error when Barton walked, stole second base and scored when Central Illinois third baseman misplayed Chris Tavares’ ground ball, allowing Barton to score in the first inning.

Cowboys upped its lead in the second inning when Korey Keith blasted his first home run of the season over the center field wall. The home run barrage continued in the third inning when Tavares blasted a two-run home run, his third of the year, over the left field wall during a five-run third inning for  the Cowboys. During the third Jiro Morales knocked home two runs with a double.

Morales, Keith, Tavares and Corey Mills each had two RBIs in the nightcap.

Winning pitcher for the Cowboys was Kelvin Rivas, his first of the season. Rivas went five innings, striking out five.

Cowboys Sweep Twin Bill from Central Illinois

Connors Cowboys swept Central Illinois in a double header at Biff Thompson Field Saturday afternoon. The Cowboys defeated the Illinois club 7-2 and 12-6 and will battle again Sunday afternoon at noon in a twin bill at Thompson Field. The win lifts the Cowboys to a 9-2 record.

Connors pounded out 20 base hits in the doubleheader to get the sweep.

In the opener Jordan Morales, went six of the seven innings on the mound to get the victory, allowing just one hit. He recorded seven strike outs en route to his second victory of the year against one loss. The only hit he allowed was a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

Connors got on the scoreboard in the second inning when Braden Cook singled, followed by a Korey Keith base hit.  Cook and Keith both scored on a throwing error by Central Illinois’ shortstop for a 2-0 Connors lead.

In the third inning Phil Diedrick reached on an error, and Chris Tavares doubled home Diedrick for a 3-0 Cowboys lead. Connors put the game away in the sixth inning when Eli Roundtree connected for a 3-run homer, his first of the year, giving Connors a 6-2 lead.

In the second game Central Illinois jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first, but Connors came back to take the lead for good with a four-run explosion.

 Angel Flores and Jake Barton opened with singles. Roundtree then doubled scoring both Flores and Barton. Braden Cook followed with a double to drive home Roundtree for a 3-2 Connors advantage.

Keith connected on a sacrifice fly to plate Cook putting the Cowboys on top 4-2 and the Cowboys  never relinquished the lead.

Barton led the Cowboys hitting attack in the second game with a 4-for-5 performance, which included a double and two RBIs.

Chad Backward collected his fourth win of the year on the hill for Connors, going five innings, striking out four.

Cowboys Drop Coffeyville Behind Tavares

Connors State behind the big bat of Chris Tavares rolled past Coffeyville Community College 7-3  Wednesday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field.

Cowboys are now 7-2 on the season and will host North Central Illinois for doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday.

Tavares broke a 2-2 deadlock in the fifth inning with his third home run of the season, a two-run shot over the left field wall for a 5-2 Cowboy lead. Ryan Clarke opened the inning by reaching first on a Red Raven error. He then stole second base, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Phil Diedrick’s RBI fielders’ choice.

Connors jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first when Diedrick doubled and came home on a RBI single by Tavares. Coffeyville tied the game in the second before the Cowboys regained the lead 2-1 in the second.

Michael Nieves blasted a solo home run, his first of the season, over the left centerfield wall for the 2-1 Cowboys lead. Coffeyville came back with a single run in the second before the Cowboys struck for three runs in the fifth.

Connors added a run in the sixth, when Dalton Daniels walked, stole second and Ryan Clark singled to right to score Daniels for a 6-2 Connors lead.

The final Cowboys’ run came on an RBI single by Caleb Banks, who plated Jake Barton, who opened the inning with a double.

C.J. Machete came in relief in the fourth inning, going 3 2/3 innings to get his first win of the season. Kylar Trumbla, relieved in the ninth for the final out to get the save.

Tavaras and Clark led the Cowboys’ hitting attack with two hits each.

Cowboys Sweep Allen County

Connors State swept Allen County, Kan., in a twin bill Sunday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field, winning the opener 5-2 and taking the nightcap 3-0.

 The Cowboys are now 6-2 on the season and will host Coffeyville Community College Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Thompson Field in a single game.

Braden Cook connected for his first home run of the season on the first inning of the opener, a 3-run shot over the left field wall, scoring Angel Flores and Chris Travares, who both had walked.

Michael Nieves singled his first of two hits for the game, in the second and came around to score on an error for a 4-0 Cowboys lead.  In the fourth inning Jiro Morales opened with a triple and scored on a fielder’s choice by Jake Barton to up the Connors lead to 5-0.

Allen County scored its two runs in the fifth inning off Connors starter Jordan Morales, who went six innings. He gave up just three hits and struck out six. Sawyer Barnard pitched the seventh inning to get his first save of the year.

In the nightcap Chad Backward pitched a complete game seven innings to register the shutout. He struck out three, allowing four hits.

Flores opened the game with a base hit, stole second and was sacrifice to third; scoring on a Phil Diedrick fielder’s choice ground out for a 1-0 Cowboys lead.

In the third Ryan Clark reached on an error, stole second and Jake Barton, who had two base hits, drove home Clark for a 2-0 Connors lead.  The final run came in the fifth when Clark reached on a bunt single and then stole second base.

On the stole base the catcher threw the ball into centerfield and the center fielder then threw the ball into the dugout, which allowed Clark to score from third.

Crowder Uses Long Ball to Defeat Cowboys

Crowder College used the long ball to defeat the Connors Cowboys for the second time this season, taking a 7-4 victory at Biff Thompson Field Tuesday afternoon.

Cowboys are now 4-2 on the season and will host Western Iowa at 3 p.m. Friday at Thompson Field.

Connors out hit the Roughriders 8-7, however, four of Crowder’s hits were homeruns, two, two-run homers and two solo shots.

The two clubs battled to a 2-2 deadlock going in the 8^th-inning when Crowder took the lead on a two-run homer for a 4-2 advantage. The Cowboys loaded the bases in their half of the inning and were unable to score.

In the ninth Crowder upped its lead to 7-2 on another two-run shot and a solo homer. Connors fought back in their half of the ninth inning.

Phil Diedrick reached first base on a Crowder error to open the inning. Braden Cook followed with a double off the wall in left center to send Diedrick to third base. Korey Keith followed with a single up the middle plating Diedrick to make it a 7-3 game.

Michael Nieves then struck out for the first out. Jack Barton followed with a single to left field to score Cook, Connors final run of the game.

Cowboys missed another scoring opportunity in the ninth-inning when Angel Flores singled with two outs to load the bases again. Dalton Daniels then grounded out to end the Cowboys’ threat.

C. J. Machete started for the Cowboys on the mound, going four innings, before being relieved by Daniel Concepcion, who took the loss, his first of the year.

Keith and Ryan Clark each had two hits to lead the Cowboys hitting attack.

CSC to Establish Athletic Hall of Fame

Connors State College will induct its first Athletic Hall of Fame class in October, announced Connors State Athletic Director and head basketball coach Bill Muse.

“We are very excited about establishing our Athletic Hall of Fame with athletes who excelled in athletics both on and off the playing fields at Connors State College,” said Muse. “This is an exciting time for Connors State and we are looking forward to our first induction in October.

“The Connors State Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics. We are asking all former athletes and individuals, who coached, played, participated and were fans of Connors State sports, to make nominations for the first class,” said Muse.

Nominations can be made to CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse by clicking on the form on the athletic web site under Hall of Fame at Connorsathletics.com and sending it electronically or mailing the form to Bill Muse at Connors State College, Route 1, Box 1000 Warner, Okla. 74469-9700. All nominations must be received by July 15th.

A committee will be established to determine the inductees and the number to be accepted into the Hall of Fame each year.

Nominees must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, and fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and former athletes. Nominations may be made any anyone.

Those inducted into the Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame will be honored at an October banquet.

“This will be an annual event at Connors and one that any former Cowboy or Cowgirl will cherish for a lifetime,” said Muse.

Cowboys Sweep Bacone in Twin Bill

Connors State College sweep a doubleheader from Bacone College Monday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field 8-0 and 4-1 to improve to 4-1 on the season. The Cowboys will play host to Crowder College at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Biff Thompson Field in a single game.

Chad Backward picked up his second win of the season on the mound in the opener, going five innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out four.

The Cowboys struck for five runs in the second inning for a 5-0 lead, with Chris Tavares providing the big blow, a three-run home run, his second of the season. Angel Flores had two base hits and an RBI in the game. Phil Diedrick also collected two hits in the game.

The Cowboys added three more runs in the fourth inning.

In the nightcap, with the game tied 1-1, Cowboys’ A.J. Johnson single into left field, driving home Caleb Banks to break the tie in the third inning. Connors then added solo runs in the fourth and fifth inning.

Arnaldo Hernandez pitched the Cowboys out of trouble in the fifth inning. Hernandez entered with the bases loaded and two outs and struck out the Warriors Kevin Collins to end the threat. Hernandez pitched the final two innings to get his first save of the year.

Sawyer Barnard was the winning pitcher, picking up his second win of the year.

Cowboys Fall to Crowder

 NEOSHO, Mo. – Crowder College struck for five runs in the 8^th inning to defeat Connors State 9-1 Sunday afternoon to hand the Cowboys their first loss of the season. Connors is now 2-1 on the year, as the Roughriders out hit the Cowboys 10-8 in the game.

Connors will play host to Bacone College in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Monday at Thompson field.

“We just weren’t sharp today,” said Connors head coach Perry Keith. “We made three errors and had five walks and that’s something we just don’t do. They have a very good club.”

Cowboys took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Angel Flores opened the game with a single. Phil Diedrick doubled advancing Flores to third base. Chris Tavares then grounded out to the shortstop allowing Flores to score for the early advantage.

It was all Crowder after that. The Roughriders tied the game in the second inning and went ahead for good in the fourth inning 2-1 before Crowder scored two more in the sixth on a Jarred Rust two-out single, for two RBIs for a 4-1 advantage.

Then in the eighth-inning the Roughriders scored five times to put the game away.

Flores and Diedrick led the Cowboys hitting attack with two hits in four trips to the plate.

Jordan Morales, went four innings, giving up one earned run, he struck out one and walked two in taking the loss.

Cowboys Sweep Ozarks in Season Opener

WARNER – Connors State pounded out 19 base hits in a doubleheader sweep of the University of Ozarks from Clarksville, Ark., 10-0 and 10-0 Wednesday afternoon at Thompson Field in the season opener for the Cowboys.

In both games the Cowboys run-ruled the Eagles jumping out to early leads. Connors’ sophomore right-hander Chad Backward from Salina picked up the win on the mound, throwing all five-innings of the run-ruled contest. Backward allowed only one hit while striking out five and did not walk a batter.

In the night cap Sawyer Barnard, freshman right-hander from Moore, got the win in the second game, going three innings, before a trio of pitchers went the rest of the way. Barnard gave up just two hits and struck out four in three innings.

“I thought we played alright for an opener,” said head coach Perry Keith. “We threw well on the mound and only had two errors on the day. That’s pretty solid for the first time out.”

Cowboys led 1-0 after the first inning before exploding for six runs in the fourth inning of the opening game. Michael Nieves led the offensive assault going 3-for-3, including two singles and a double.

 Dalton Daniels also produced a 2-run RBI single in the inning scoring Korey Keith and Michael Nieves for a 3-0 Connors lead. Angel Flores also plated two runs, scoring Daniels and Ryan Clark with a double down the left-field line for a 5-0 lead.

Phillip Diedrick then drove home two more runs, scoring Jake Barton and Angel Flores for a 7-0 Cowboys advantage.

In the nightcap the Cowboys quickly took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Diedrick doubled to open the inning, followed by a Caleb Banks single to plate Diedrick and Jared Graham. Nieves followed with a single scoring Banks.

Chris Tavares made it 5-0 Connors with a two-run homer, his first of the year, scoring Diedrick in the second inning. Daniels led the hitting attack with a 3-for-3 performance in the nightcap.

The Cowboys will play host to Crowder College Saturday at 1 p.m. in a single game before traveling to Missouri for a return match with Crowder on Sunday.

Former Connors State baseball player Julio Lugo drives in the tying run for the Braves

Former Connors State baseball player Julio Lugo drives in the tying run for the Braves with a single against the Reds on national tv, ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.​jsp?content_id=17259315

Connors Alumni George Kottaras #16

George Kottaras  #16 with the Milwaukee Brewers ( Connors State class of 03) hitting a home run today against the Cubs.

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15956795&c_id=mil

Oberste Named NJCAA All-American

WARNER – Connors State College’s Matt Oberste has been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American baseball team, it was announced Wednesday.

Oberste was selected as a designate hitter and was a third team selection. He was also a first team Region II selection.

The freshman from Sallisaw hit .418 for the Cowboys who finished the season 39-20 and reached the championship game of the Region II Tournament in Jenks.

Oberste ranked 8^th in the nation with 15 home runs and was sixth on the NJCAA RBI chart with 67. He had an on base percentage of .495 with 17 doubles and 4 triples.

Keith Re-instated as Cowboys Baseball Coach

WARNER—Connors State College President Dr. Donnie Nero and Athletics Director Bill Muse announced that Perry Keith, head baseball coach of the Cowboys, has been re-instated, effective immediately, following a one semester (spring) suspension.

“I have the utmost confidence in Coach Keith that he will seek the highest standards for himself and the program,” said Dr. Nero.

Keith, who guided the Cowboys for 26 years, was suspended for violations of National Junior College Athletic Association rules.

“Perry has fulfilled his suspension under the guidelines that were presented to him at the time of the action and is ready to complete his obligation to Connors, the NJCAA bylaws and rules,” said Muse.

Keith posted a 1,236-352 win loss record at Connors, including induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2008, and a NJCAA College World Series appearance. He is a six time Region II Coach of the Year, and four-time South Central Coach of the Year.

The Cowboys under the guidance of assistant coach Bobby Foreman, guided Connors to a 39-20 record this season and to a third place finish in the Region II tournament.

Foreman, who has been at Connors State for 14 seasons, 13 as assistant coach, recruiting coordinator and overseeing the strength and conditioning program.

Cowboys Bid for Region II Title Falls Short

JENKS ---Connors State’s bid to reach the NJCAA Region II baseball championship game ended in their second elimination game Saturday at Hinch Field.

After defeating Seminole State 4-3 in a noon contest, Eastern State the defending champions defeated the Cowboys 7-4 in the night cap to advance to Sunday’s championship game against Northeastern A&M. The Cowboys end their season with a 39-20 record.

Eastern jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run RBI double by Sam King off Cowboys’ starter Jordan Morales. The Mountaineers pushed their margin to 5-0 in the third on a three-run home run by Jordan Mings.

Cowboys cut Eastern’s lead to 5-3 in the fourth on a three-run home run by Christopher Tavaras over the leftfield wall. Tavaras blast plated Tyler Wheeler and Wes Newman, who both reached on walks.

Eastern  increased its advantage in the sixth with two runs, scoring on an RBI single by Chris Munoz and a balk by Morales, giving Eastern a 7-3 lead

Cowboys missed an opportunity to cut into the Eastern lead, managing to push across one run, but left two runners stranded, trailing 7-4 after seven innings.

Cowboys Oust Seminole State to Advance in Region II Play

JENKS – Second-seeded Connors Cowboys used clutch hitting, and pitching to oust top seed Seminole State 4-3 in the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament at Hinch Field on Saturday afternoon.

The Cowboys (39-19) plays Eastern State, who remains unbeaten in the tournament, at 7 p.m. The Mountaineers defeated the Cowboys 7-4 on Friday in the second round. Eastern enters the tournament with a 35-20 record.

Tyler Muse and Matt Oberste supplied the hitting muscle for the Cowboys with Clint Spratlin and Dustin Knight holding the Trojans’ bats at bay.

“You get guys on base and drive them in, that was the big difference today over last night,” said Connors interim head coach Bobby Foreman. “I am really proud of the way we responded today. We got after it.”

The two clubs each scored two runs in their half of the first inning with Oberste blasting a two-run homer, his 17^th of the season. Oberste scored Cam’Ron Summers, who singled to right field.

Both clubs scored single runs in the sixth for a 3-3 deadlock with Tyler Muse, who went 3-for-5 at the plate with 2 RBIs, hitting his first home run of the season. Muse’s blast was a solo shot over the 370-marker in right field.

Connors took the lead for good in the seventh when Muse singled into right field scoring Oberste, who had walked to open the inning.  Oberste moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Wheeler, followed by walks to Brodie Ross, and Wes Newman to load the bases. Christopher Tavares then flied out to right field for the second out.

Muse followed with a sharp single to right field that scored Oberste with the winning run.

Connors pounded out 10 bases hits with, Summers, Jacob Barton collecting two hits each and Muse leading the way with three.

Clint Spratlin got the win for the Cowboys (6-1) going six innings, scattering four hits, striking out four and walking one. Dustin Knight pitched three innings of relief, did not give up a hit, while striking out two and no walks for his sixth save of the season.

Cowboys Fall to Eastern in Region II Tournament

JENKS – Connors State will have to fight its way back through the loser’s bracket in the Region II baseball tournament to reach Sunday’s championship game after falling to Eastern State 7-4 Friday afternoon at Hinch Field.

Cowboys (38-19) will play Rose State (25-27) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday in an elimination game. Rose State defeated Arkansas Baptist 19-11 to advance. The winner of the Connors and Rose State game will then play at 7 p.m. Saturday night.

“We had our opportunities and just didn’t get it done,” said Connors interim head coach Bobby Foreman. “But that’s baseball. We scored four runs with two outs and then leave runners on base.

“We could have rolled over and gave up, but we had our chances and that’s all you can ask. I feel confident. We’ll be fine and come back through. We aren’t going to roll over, you can count on that,” said Foreman.

Cowboys missed an opportunity to close on the Mountaineers in the final three innings of play leaving two base runners in the seventh and the bases loaded with two outs in the eighth.

Connors pushed a crossed its first run in the sixth without a base hit, scoring on a ground ball by Brodie Ross, scoring Matt Oberste, who had reached on a mishandled ball by Eastern first baseman Kyle Wallace.

Cowboys made it 7-4 in the eighth scoring three times on three base hits and three walks. Ross, Jacob Barton and Eric Baker each singled, with Tyler Wheeler, Wes Newman Chris Tavares drawing walks. Wheeler, Newman and Ross scored in the inning.

Eastern grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the first off Cowboys’ starter Jake Fisher, who took the loss. Fisher went 6 2/3 innings, scattering five hits and striking out five. Cody McBride came in to finish the game.

Mountaineers increased its lead to 4-0 in the second inning on two base hits and added two more runs in the seventh.

Oberste and Barton each had two hits to lead the Cowboys hitting attack.

Cowboys Pop Rose State in Region Tournament

JENKS – Connors State took advantage of Rose State errors and a two-run home run by Matt Oberste in the eighth inning to power the Cowboys past the Raiders 6-2 at Hinch Field Thursday in the opening round of the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament.

The Cowboys (38-18) will play Eastern State (34-20) at 3:30 p.m. Friday in the second round. Eastern advanced by defeating Northeastern A&M 3-0.

Connors’ Kyle Wormington (9-1) got the win for the Cowboys, going 8-innings, scattering five hits, striking out two and not walking a batter in a game that was delayed 1 hour, 40 minutes due to rain. Dustin Knight came in relief in the ninth, faced three Raider batters and struck out two.

“Pitching is the key in the tournament and Kyle due a great job for us today,” said interim head coach Bobby Foreman. “We had some timely hitting. Matt’s hit was a huge bat and we are really proud of what he has done. This is a good start for us,” said Foreman.

Cowboys scored twice in the first inning on a Rose State error and a ground ball out by Tyler Wheeler that pushed across a run. Rose closed the gap to 2-1 in the second on a home run by Blake Stringer and then tied the game in the third.

Connors took the lead for good in the sixth when Jacob Barton ripped a single down the first base line, moved to second on Eric Baker’s sacrifice bunt. Oberste was then hit by a pitched ball by Rose’s Calyn Younger.

Wheeler followed with a single left field scoring Barton and a throwing error by the Raiders’ leftfielder Sam Dellinger allowed Oberste to score, giving Connors a 4-2 lead.

The Cowboys put the game away in the eighth on Oberste’s 16^th homer, scoring Cam’Ron Summers, who had walked, giving CSC a 6-2 advantage.

Cowboys Named to All-Region Team

The Region II Baseball Team was announced and Connors State third baseman Tyler Wheeler, pitcher Kyle Wormington and designated hitter Matt Oberste were named to the first team. Wheeler was also a Gold Glove selection.

Second team selections for the Cowboys were outfielder Eric Baker and pitcher Jake Fisher.

Honorable mention selections were catcher Chris Tavares, infielder Cam’Ron Summers, outfielders Brodie Ross, Wes Newman and pitchers Joey Ellison and Dusten Knight.

Cowboys Play Rose State in Region II Opener

Connors State will play Rose State in the first round of the NJCAA Region II baseball tournament at Jenks High School’s Hinch Field on Thursday.

The Cowboys (37-18) and the Raiders (24-26) will play at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, the second game of the of the  tournament.

Eastern (33-20) opens the tournament against Northeastern A&M (36-17) at noon while Seminole State (39-13) plays Arkansas Baptist (27-29) at 7 p.m.

Cowboys, Northeastern A&M Split Doubleheader

Miami –The Cowboys split a twin bill with Northeastern A&M Saturday, losing the opener 10-9 and taking the nightcap 9-5 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball play to conclude the regular season with a 38-17 overall record and 13-7 mark in OCAC play.

CSC will enter Region II Tournament play Thursday at Jenks and will not its opponent on Monday following the Region Tournament.

In the opener Clint Spradlin struck out seven in the second game with Cody McBride pitching two innings to record his second save of the year Wes Newman blasted a three-run home run as he went 1-for-3 at the plate. Tyler Wheeler and Eric Baker had two hits each with Wheeler driving home two runs.

In the first game Wheeler and Matt Oberste each had two hits and drove in three runs. Baker had two hits in the loss.

Cowboys Named All-Americans

Connors State College’s Corey Wilford and Robert Crawford have been named National Junior College Athletic Association All-Americans.

Wilford, 6-1 sophomore guard from Hopkinsville, Ky. was voted to the second team and Crawford, 6-6 sophomore guard from Broken Arrow, was an honorable mention selection.

The selections were made by each division's respective (Division I, II, III) basketball committee at the 2011 NJCAA annual meeting held March 26-29 in Tampa, Fla.

“Both these young men are deserving of the honor and had great seasons for the Cowboys,” said Connors State head coach Bill Muse. “I know they will do very well at the next level and we wish them the very best. They have been outstanding representatives of Connors State,” said Muse.

Wilford averaged 16.1 points per game last season, shooting 47 percent from the floor, connecting on 157 of 333 attempts. He shot 46 percent from behind the arc, draining 81-of-78 and was an 83 percent free throw shooter. At the line he sank 89-of-107 attempts and pulled down 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game.

Wilford had four games of 30-plus scoring performance and nine games of 20 or more. He established a school record for 3-point goals in a game when he drained 10 against Bacone College on Nov. 12, 2010.

Crawford averaged 16.1 points and shot 45 percent from the field connecting on 142-of-313 shots. He averaged 7.0 rebounds, two assists and two steals a game.

Crawford had 25 double figure scoring games, including a season high 30 points against Eastern State. He also had four double-doubles on the year.

Cowboys Split Doubleheader With Northeastern A&M

Connors State split a twin bill with Northeastern A&M Friday at Biff Thompson Field and will take a 3k6-17 record into Saturday’s 2 p...m. doubleheader at Miami.

Jake Fisher took the win in the opener as he his 5-3 on the year going seven innings, striking out five, giving up just six hits as the Norse scored only two runs.

Cowboys’ Brody Ross had two RBIs and score two runs with Eric Baker scoring a run for CSC.

Connors fell in the nightcap after holding a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning, losing 8-4. Tyler Wheeler had two hits with two RBIs. Jake Barton had three hits with an RBI.

Jordan Morales pitched seven innings, giving up four runs on five hits. Dusten Knight took the loss and is now 2-3. He pitched three innings, allowing three runs on three hits.

Cowboys Sweep Arkansas Baptist Again

Connors State swept Arkansas Baptist 6-5 and 19-3 Saturday at Biff Thompson Field Saturday behind the outstanding pitching of Jake Fisher in the opener and the offensive onslaught in the second game behind Jake Barton.

The Cowboys will now take a 36-14 overall record and 10-5 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference mark into Wednesday game’s at Biff Thompson Field at 7 p.m. against Eastern State.

Cowboys’ Fisher struck out nine in the first game to improve to 5-3 for the season. Dusten Knight earned his fifth save.

Eric Baker had three hits including his second home run and scored three times. Cam’Ron Summers added two runs scored and two hits and Matt Oberste slugged his 15th homer.
In the second game Barton had a two-run homer, his first of the season, in the fourth inning and drove in four runs. Baker had three hits and scored a run in the night cap. Tyler Wheeler and Wes Newman for combined four hits and five RBIs.

Cowboys Sweep Arkansas Baptist

Connors State Cowboys swept Arkansas Baptist 10-0 and 4-3 Friday at Biff Thompson field to improve to 32-16. The two clubs will meet today at 1 p.m. for a doubleheader.

Cowboys’ Kameron Kopczynski drove in three RBIs in the opening game and. Matt Oberste, Heath Holliday each drove in two RBIs. Kyle Wormington now 7-1 pitched five innings, allowing three hits and struck out three to get the victory on the mound.

In the second d game Clint Spratlin went seven innings to get his fourth win against a loss, allowing five hits and struck out four.

Tyler Wheeler and Tyler Muse had three hits each with one run scored. Cam’Ron Summers had two hits. Cody McBride pitched two scoreless inning of relief and struck out two for his first save of the season.

Cowboys Fall to Carl Albert in 13th inning

Carl Albert Community College scored two runs in the 13^th inning to defeat the Cowboys 11-10 at Poteau on Tuesday. The Cowboys, who are 30-16 on the year, will battle Northeastern A&M Friday at  7  p.m. at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys took a 10-9 lead in the top of the 13^th after Matt Oberste and Tyler Wheeler reached base on walks. Brodie Ross then doubled to score both Oberste and Wheeler. Ross finished with four hits and three RBIs for the game.

Wheeler had a three-run home run in the eighth inning, his fourth of the year. Oberste connected for a two-run homer in the fifth, the 14^th of the season.

Eastern Rallies Past Cowboys

Connors State Cowboys fell to Eastern State 15-5 in Wilburton on Sunday, is now 29-15 for the season and will play Bacone College at Biff Thompson Field at 7 p.m. Monday.

Joey Ellison (4-3) took the loss throwing two innings, giving up three hits while striking out two and six earned runs.

Tyler Wheeler led Connors hitting attack going 2-for-3 at the plate with one double and one run scored. Kameron Kopczynski had the big blow for the Cowboys when he blasted out a grand slam home run in the third, his seventh home run of the season.

Cowboys Whip Eastern Again

Connors Cowboys improved to 29-14 Saturday at Biff Thompson Field after defeating Eastern State 7-5. The Cowboys and Mountaineers will play at 1 p.m. Sunday in Wilburton.

Tyler Wheeler and Kameron Kopezyski connected for solo home runs in the victory. Brodie Ross had three hits with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBIs.

Jake Fisher got the win, now 4-3, tossing a four-hitter over seven innings. He struck out seven

Cowboys Stop Eastern State

Connors State improved its record to 28-14 for the year and 5-4 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play with a 7-2 victory over Eastern State at Wilburton on Thursday.

The two clubs will meet again on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Biff Thompson Field in Warner.

Kyle Wormington took the win for the Cowboys on the mound, striking out nine Mountaineers and scattering eight hits.

Eric Baker and Brodie Ross led Connors with two hits each and drove in two runs each. Ross hit a solo home run in the second inning. Braden Cook added a two-run double for the Cowboys.

Cowboys Fall to Coffeyville

Connors State fell to visiting Coffeyville  (Kan.) Community College 8-1 Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field and will now look ahead to Eastern State College clash on Thursdday at Wilburton.

The Cowboys will take a 27-14 record into the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Connors only run came in the fourth inning when Wes Newman drove home Braden Cook.

Cowboys' Home Runs Blast Carl Albert

 Connors State blasted three home runs en route to a 9-1 victory over Carl Albert Community College Monday at Biff Thompson Field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference contest.

The Cowboys improved to 27-13 on the season and will play Coffeyville Community College at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Kameron Kopczynski hit a three-run homer in the eighth-inning and Matt Oberste hit a two-run shot in the first inning and Brody Ross a solo homer in the sixth inning to power the Cowboys to the win. Cowboys’ Chris Tavares added two hits and three RBIs in the victory.

Jake Fisher pitched eight innings to pick up the victory. Fisher allowed just one run on two hits as he struck out 14 Viking batters.

Cowboys Lose Heartbreaker

Connors State sustained a heartbreaking 11-10 loss to Seminole State in the 10^th inning when the Trojans’ Cody Ferrell singled home Wes Helms for the winning run at Biff Thompson Field Saturday in Warner.

The Cowboys return to action on Monday against Carl Albert Community College at 6:30 p.m. at Biff Thompson Field. The Cowboys will enter with a 26-13 season record and 5-5 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference record.

Cowboys’ Cody McBride in relief took the loss in the Seminole State game. He is now 0-1.

Cam’Ron Summers led the Connors hitting attack with two base hits, scored twice and had two RBIs.

Connors State’s Tyler Wheeler tied the game in the ninth inning at 10-10 with a two-run double.

Wheeler's Slam Powers Cowboys Past Seminole

Tyler Wheeler’s grand slam in the ninth inning propelled Connors State Cowboys over Seminole State 8-5 Friday at Biff Thompson Field to lift the Cowboys to an 8-5 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Association victory.

It was Wheeler’s first home run of the season in giving Kyle Wormington the victory on the mound. He gave up five runs, while scattering 10 hits and struck out four.

The Cowboys are now 26-12 on the season and battle Seminole again Saturday at 1 p.m.

In the victory Matt Oberste had three hits and drove in three RBIs with Eric Baker collecting two hits, and Cam’ron Summers adding more two hits with an RBI.

Seminole Drops Cowboys

A four run fifth inning broke a scoreless game en route to a 12-5 victory for Seminole over the Cowboys on Wednesday on the Trojans home field.

Seminole added three more runs in the sixth for the 7-1 victory. Connors and Seminole will meet again at 6 p.m. Thursday at Biff Thompson Field. The Cowboys enter today’s clash with a 25-11 record.

Jake Fisher pitched the first five innings for the Cowboys, striking out seven and scattering eight hits. He did not walk a batter in taking the loss. Fisher is 2-3 for the season.

Heath Holiday led the Connors hitting attack with three hits in four at-bats with two RBIs. Chris Tavares went 2-for-4 and Eric Baker 2-for 5. Matt Oberste connected for his 12^th home run of the season.

Cowboys Gun Down Northern-Enid Jets

Connors State Cowboys overpowered Northern-Enid 11-9 Monday at Biff Thompson Field to improve their record to 25-10 behind Jordan Morales in relief.

 Morales is now 2-0 on the season for the Cowboys. He also helped his cause with the bat driving in three runs.

Morales struck out four and walked one in 21/3 innings of relief while t teammate Chris Tavares supplied the offensive punch, pounding out three hits, including his fourth home run of the season.

Cam’Ron Summers also had a big day with the bat with four hits and drove in two runs. Matt Oberste also got into the hitting attack with two hits and two RBIs

Cowboys, Rose State Split

Connors State grabbed a split of a doubleheader against Rose State, losing the first game 7-6 and winning the second 10-7 on Saturday . The Cowboys are now 24-10 on the season.

Justin McGee gave up a walk-off home run and Rose State squeaked out a 7-6 victory over the Cowboys in the opening game of a doubleheader. McGee is now 1-1on the mound for the Cowboys this season.

Eric Baker, Tyler Wheeler, and Tyler Muse each had two hits for the Cowboys in the loss.

In the second game Dustin Knight pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief striking out seven and allowing no hits as took the nightcap.

  Eric Baker tied the game at 7-all in the eighth on a solo home run, his first of the season.

Cam’ Ron Summers had four hits and Wes Newman had three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run double in the eighth that broke the tie.

Cowboys Sweep Rose State

The Cowboys upped its season record to 23-9 with a doubleheader sweep over Rose State Thursday, taking 4-2 and 2-1 victories at Biff Thompson Field.

Next action for the Cowboys is at Rose State on Saturday.

Wes Newman’s sacrifice fly scored Matt Oberste, who opened the seventh inning with a triple in the night cap, with the winning run.

 In the first game Newman hit a two-run double in the fourth giving the Cowboys a 3-2 lead. Oberste went 2-for-3 in the first game and Eric Baker was 2-for-4 in the second contest.

Jake Fisher pitching in the opener is now 2-2 for the year, struck out 13 and allowed four hits. Joey Ellison threw eight innings of six-hit ball, striking out six in the second, but Dusten Knight, 1-2, got the win by pitching a scoreless ninth, allowing one walk.

Cowboys Sweep College of Ozarks

Connor State Cowboys swept a doubleheader from the University of Ozarks Monday in Clarksville, Ark., winning the first game 7-1 and taking the second game 14-2.

The twin bill sweep gives the Cowboys a 21-9 record heading into a Thursday game with Rose State at Biff Thompson Field at 3 p.m.

In the opener, Matt Oberste hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, his 11th of the season, to lead the Cowboys to the win.

Wes Newman went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double and scored a run and Cam’ Ron Summers was 1-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs.

In the second game Chris Tavares went 3-for-4 with a three-run home run in the third inning and finished with five RBIs.

Tyler Wheeler went 3-for-5 at the plate with four RBIs, whi8le also scoring a run.

Cowboys Fall to Coffeyville on 9th-Inning Balk

A two-out balk in the ninth inning sent Coffeyville’s Tony Burks home with the winning run as the Red Ravens defeated the Cowboys 10-9 on Thursday in Coffeyville, Kan.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 18-9 for the season as they resume play Saturday in Tishomingo against Murray State.

Errors were costly for the Cowboys in the game as Burks reached base on an error, stole second base and moved to third on a passed ball. One out later, Burks scored on the balk.

Tahlequah’s Dusten Knight, pitching in relief of starter Jordan Morales, was the loser to fall to 0-2 for the season. Morales pitching five innings, struck out five and gave up four earned runs in five innings.

Tyler Wheeler led the Cowboys with three hits, while Brodie Ross and Chris Taveres each pounding out two hits and three RBIs.

Cowboys Sweep Jefferson County

Connors State returned to its winning ways on Sunday with a sweep of Jefferson County 1-0 and 4-2 at Biff Johnson Field to improve to 18-8 on the year.

The Cowboys resume play on Tuesday with a road game at Parsons, Kan. to battle Labette County, before playing Murray State on Saturday at Tishomingo.

The Cowboys’ Brodie Ross’ home run, his fourth of the season, in the fifth inning was all Connors needed to win the first of two games.

It was all. Clint Spratlin needed in getting the win to go 3-1 on the year. Spratlin pitched six innings and gave up just two hits while striking out four and walking two. Dusten Knight threw the final two innings to earn the save, his third of the year.

In the nightcap Joey Ellison threw a complete game in upping his record to 3-1. Ellison give up two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and one walk.

Ross led the Cowboys attack in the second game going 1-for-3 with two RBIs and one run scored while Heath Holliday was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Cowboys Lose Twin Bill to Jefferson County

Connors State’s seven game winning streak came to an end on Saturday as the Cowboys fell twice to Jefferson County, Mo. 11-0 and 6-1 at Biff Johnson Stadium.

The Cowboys are 16-8 entering Sunday’s twin bill against Jefferson County. The doubleheader begins at 1 p.m.

The Cowboys offense left them in the opener with Eric Baker, Cam’Ron Summers and Wes Newman’s singles were the only offense for Connors.

Kyle Wormington sustained his first loss of the season on the mound, now 4-1, giving up four runs in six innings.

In the finale, Newman singled in Matt Oberste in the sixth to avoid a second shutout. The Cowboys stranded eight base runners. Jake Fisher took the loss; his first of the year (4-1) gave up six runs in six innings, on five hits.

Cowboys Pound Maplewood for Sweep

Connors State’s Matt Oberste’s two-run homer in the opening game of a doubleheader against Maplewood, Mo., powered the Cowboys to a 6-3 win and then he hit for the cycle in the nightcap in  a 28-19 romp as the Cowboys improved to 16-6 and have now won seven straight.

Cowboys’ Oberste went going 4-for-5 with seven RBIs and another two-run blast, giving him nine on the year, in  the second game.

Clint Spratlin, who got the win in the first game is now 3-1 for the season, scattered three hits, striking out 12, walking five and gave up three hits in going six innings. Dusten Knight struck out the side in the seventh for his first save.

The Cowboys pounded out 22 hits in the second game.

Eric Baker led the way going 5-for-6 with five runs with Cam’Ron Summers going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Brodie Ross, who had a two-run double in the opener, had a two-run homer his third of the season, and was 3-for-4 with three RBIs.  Wes Newman, was 2-for-3, driving in four runs.

Kyler Trumbla relieved starter Joey Ellison got the win, going 2 1/3 with three hits, four strikeouts and three earned runs. Ellison gave up five runs, all earned.

Connors’ game with Coffeyville (Kan.) Tuesday was cancelled due to rain, and they will resume play Saturday at home against Jefferson (Mo).

Cowboys Sweep, Win Sixth Straight

Cam’ron Summers, Tyler Muse and Heath Holliday powered the Connors State Cowboys past Illinois Central and Kirkwood, Iowa, at Biff Thompson Field on Sunday.

The Cowboys used a seven-run first inning to roll over Illinois Central 20-1 and followed with a 7-2 win against Kirkwood, Mo., to extend their winning streak to six games and improve to 14-6 for the season.

In the first game Summers went 5-for-6 at the plate and drove in five runs. Chris Tavares pounded out three hits including two doubles while driving in two runs. Muse had three hits and scored four times in the win.

Jordan Morales got the win for the Cowboys (1-0) striking out six in six innings for the win.

In the nightcap, Muse had a two-out double in the fourth inning. Heath Holliday followed with a three-run home run. Eric Baker had two hits and scored twice.

Connors plays Maplewood, Mo., in a doubleheader that begins at 1 p.m. today.

Cowboys Explode Past Labette for Sweep

Connors State scored 8-runs in the second inning on a 3-run double by Heath Holliday and home runs by Matt Oberste and Chris Tavares in the nightcap of a doubleheader against Labette, Kan. to complete a sweep Wednesday at Biff Thompson Field. The Cowboys captured 17-1 and 8-1 victories.

 Cam’Ron Summers went 3-for-4 and at the plate and scored three times in the first game. He hit a run-scoring double in the 8-run second. Wes Newman also had a multi-hit game going 2-for-3.

Oberste was perfect at the plate going 3-for-3, including a 3-RBI second game and his fifth home run of the year. He also had a 2-run homer in the sixth inning. Tavares hit a 3-run blast in the fourth, his second for the year.

Clint Spratlin (1-1) allowed 4 hits , struck out 6 over 4 innings to get win in the first game. Justin McGee pitched the fifth as the game was called on a run-rule.

Kyle Wormington (4-0) gave up 3 hits and struck out 7in the second game to get the victory.

Connors now 10-6 for the season plays Illinois Central in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Softball and Baseball Games Cancelled

Warner—Connors State’s baseball and softball games scheduled for against Labette County, Kan. and Northern-Tonkawa Tuesday have been cancelled due to inclement weather.

The softball team resumes play on Thursday at Northern-Tonkawa and will play at 4 and 6 p.m. before beginning play on Saturday in Tulsa at Arrowhead field in the Midwest Classic.

The Cowgirls will open at 10 a.m. against Coffeyville Community College follow by games with Rose State at noon, and North Central Texas at 6 p.m.

On Sunday Connors will play Garden City, Kan. at 8 a.m., Northeastern A&M at 2 p.m. and Neosho, Mo. At 6 p.m.

The Cowboys will next play Illinois Central on Saturday in a doubleheader at Warner beginning at 1 p.m. The two teams will then play a single game on Sunday noon.

Cowboys baseball team returns home

Connors State baseball team, which is 5-3 for the season returns home from a Texas trip to battle defending national champion Iowa Western at 3 p.m. on Friday. The two clubs will meet again at noon on Saturday and the Cowboys then will go against visiting North Central Missouri at 2 p.m.

The Cowboys and North Central Missouri will then play at noon on Sunday.

The Cowboys split with North East Texas 2-1 and 3-2 on Tuesday at Mt. Pleasant, Texas. In winning the second game the Cowboys’ Kyle Worthington (2-0) tossed a complete game, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out seven.

Baseball Season Starts Soon

The 2011 Connors State College Baseball Team debuts in their first game on Friday, February 17th, 2011 at 1:00pm. Please see the schedule for more information on all the games.