Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Central Oklahoma Bronchos scored five runs over the first two innings and got three strikeouts from senior closer Gibson Russ to hold off Nebraska-Kearney, 7-6, Sunday afternoon in Edmond, Okla.

With the series sweep, the Bronchos (30-17-1, 20-16) will be the fifth seed in next weekend's eight-team MIAA Tournament. The Lopers end the 2017 campaign at 14-35 (7-29).

UCO tallied three runs in its first at-bat thanks to four hits, including a two-run single by third baseman Anthony Alvarez (2 for 4). Left fielder Caleb Peters led off the second with a homer and then a wild pitch made it 5-0.

The Lopers, finishing with eight hits, got on the board in the sixth when senior center fielder Easton Edmond (Lincoln S.W.) smacked an RBI single up the middle. After a walk and pitching change, junior shortstop Josh Estrada (Houston) was plunked, bringing home senior right fielder and leadoff hitter Jacob Richardson (Goddard, Kan.).

However, things appeared bleak as UNK entered the top of the ninth down 7-2. A big comeback attempt unfolded against two new UCO pitchers as the first five Lopers reached safely. Senior catcher Kirk McLeod (Detroit Lakes, Minn.) made it 7-4 with a two-run double to left. He latered scored on a wild pitch.

A Richardson singled made it 7-6 and put runners at first and second with just one down. A 6-4, 220 pound lefty, Russ (13 saves) came in when it was 7-4 and threw a wild pitch and gave up three hits. However, he also recorded three strikeouts, including back-to-back K's to end the rally and game.

Starter Tyler Culver (4-1) fanned seven over 5.1 innings to pick up the win. UCO's first reliever, righty Greg Hyde, fanned three in 1.2 innings. Besides Alvarez, UCO saw catcher Dayne Sommer finish 3 for 4 with a run and RBI from the cleanup spot.

Junior first baseman Ricky Trammell (2 for 4, one run) was the lone Loper with a multi-hit effort. On the mound, senior workhorse relievers Sean Laughlin (Overland Park, Kan.) and Weston Glienke (Spencer, Ia.) combined to blank UCO over the final 3.0 innings.