OZARK, Mo.- Devan O'Bryan's two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning drove in pinch runner Patrick Hoerning and gave Drury a 3-2 win over McKendree on Saturday at US Baseball Park in Ozark.
 
With the bases empty and two out in the bottom of the ninth, Panthers OF Riley Herron reached base on a walk to keep the inning alive and was lifted for Hoerning to pinch run. Hoerning got to second base on an error by Bearcats pitcher Matt Henning, who threw wide to first base on a pick-off attempt. O'Bryan then hit a ground ball that found its way to left field for the game-winning hit.
 
Drury won their fourth straight with the win and raised their record to 5-2. McKendree dropped to 1-5.
 
O'Bryan finished the game going 3 for 4 with a RBI, a double and a run scored.
 
Alex Stilwell (1-0) got the win in relief for Drury. Panthers starter Langdon Simpkins did not factor in the decision but went 5.1 innings allowing six hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts.
 
"Simkins pitched great and bounced back tremendously from his outing last week," said Drury head coach Scott Nasby. "Both Alex Austin and Alex Stilwell pitched well and when you get zeros out the pen, you know at some point our offense is going to crack away. We didn't play our best game offensively or on the bases, but if we can win games like that, then I think we'll be good in the long run."
 
The four-game series concludes on Sunday. Game time is noon at US Baseball Park.

###