By Audrey Dodgen/Staff Writer

Mark Ward’s baseball club dropped a two-game series to the Carl Albert Titans Monday and Tuesday, despite close scores in early innings.

The Indians fell 8-0 at Carl Albert in Tuesday’s game, a five-inning run rule.

“We feel pretty confident that this is the team we’re going to see in the regional tournament, and we didn’t want to show them our pitching. We went a little further down our rotation, and Randy (Morrison) really stepped up and did a fantastic job,” Ward said.

The Indians came away with four hits in the contest, and Morrison gave up only two runs in three and two thirds innings of work.

“I know toward the end Randy got a little tired, so we brought in Zo (senior Lorenzo Robinson) and then Chandon (Vieweg),” he said.

Ward said he is impressed by Morrison’s work ethic and the dramatic improvement he has made in the course of the season.

“He struggled early and went through some tough times, but I’m really proud of how hard he has worked and what he has done to make himself ready when his opportunity came. He could really be a factor for us now,” Ward said.

Carl Albert 11, El Reno 2

The Indians dropped an 11-2 decision Monday to the Titans.

Senior Clint Maune opened the game on the mound and gave up five runs in two innings. Morrison relieved him and gave up one run in three innings. Trendon Johnson ended the game for the Indians and gave up five runs in two innings of work.

“I know they saw Maune a little early in that game, but he’s coming off an illness and was off his form. They really haven’t seen our best pitchers, and we wanted it that way, so we have a chance in the regional,” Ward said.

“I know that right now we have great chemistry in the top of our roster, and the guys believe we’re putting players on the field we can win with.”

The Indians will travel Thursday to Del City and will host Tecumseh Friday.

They have six games remaining before the regional tournament begins.