Northwest Missouri State Athletics

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The No. 23 Northwest Missouri State University baseball team was unable to overcome a mid-game surge from Central Oklahoma as the Bronchos secured a 7-6 victory in the regular-season finale.  
 
As part of the team's Senior Day celebration, Northwest honored its graduating seniors in a pregame ceremony conducted by Dr. Andy Peterson.
 
Central Oklahoma improved its record to 26-24 overall and 17-19 in MIAA play, while Northwest moved its record to 35-15 overall and 25-11 in the conference. The Bronchos' victory secured a 2-1 series win for the visitors.
 
The Bearcats have earned a spot in the 2026 MIAA Tournament and will learn of their assignment later tonight. The 2026 MIAA Tournament will be May 6-9 in Edmond, Okla with Northwest will scheduled to play on Thursday in the quarterfinal round.
 
Northwest took an early lead against UCO with two runs in the first inning. Jeremiah Cabuyaban walked and advanced on Jordi Ventura's single. John Connors then delivered an RBI single, scoring Cabuyaban. Wilmer Jimenez followed with another RBI single, scoring Ventura. Northwest led 2-0 after the first.
 
UCO responded in the fourth inning. Trevor Rowe and Elijah Alexander singled before Kade Sheldon hit a three-run homer, putting the Bronchos ahead 3-2 through four innings.
 
In the fifth inning, the Bronchos extended their lead with Trevor Rowe's RBI double, bringing the score to 4-2. The Bearcats were held scoreless in its half of the inning.
 
The Bearcats tied the game in the sixth inning. Chester Brooks walked and advanced to third on a balk and flyout. Cabuyaban then hit a two-run homer, tying the game at 4-4. UCO regained the lead in the same inning when a wild pitch allowed a run to score, making it 5-4.
 
The Bronchos added two more in the seventh with a two-run homer by Trevor Rowe, increasing their lead to 7-4. Northwest was unable to score in the bottom half.
 
In the eighth inning, Northwest cut the deficit to 7-5. Cabuyaban walked and advanced on a single by Ventura and an error. Connors grounded out, allowing Cabuyaban to score.
 
Sam Wornson's pinch-hit home run in the ninth brought Northwest within one run. However, the team could not complete the comeback, as UCO secured a 7-6 victory.
 
Logan Brasel started for Northwest, pitching 5 innings and allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits, with 3 strikeouts and 3 walks over 96 pitches. Micah Diamond followed with 1 inning of relief, giving up 1 earned run, 2 walks, and striking out 1 while throwing a total of 27 pitches. Dylan McIntyre pitched for 2/3 of an inning, surrendering 2 earned runs on 1 hit, including a home run, and walking 1 batter. Diego De Santiago closed out the game with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless pitching, striking out 2 and allowing 2 hits on 19 pitches.
 
Jeremiah Cabuyaban scored three runs and hit a home run, contributing two RBIs and drawing three walks. John Connors collected two hits and drove in two runs. Sam Wornson added a home run and an RBI with his single hit. Jordi Ventura tallied two hits, scored one run, and walked twice.