DOENGES TOYOTA INDIANS CARRY 8-2 SUMMER RECORD AFTER HOME-OPENING SPLIT
Bartlesville Doenges Ford Indian Rhett Leu (4) gets an out at second base during the Indians’ first home game against the Tulsa Barons Gold last Wednesday. The Indians split a doubleheader with the Gold.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports Report
By Becky Burch
June 15, 2026
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS
The Bartlesville Doenges Toyota Indians have started the summer strong with an 8-2 record since last Wednesday. In their first six games, the team outscored its opponents 40-9, including three wins in a tournament in Branson, Missouri.
“Our guys are great men and even better teammates,” first-year coach Tony Osborne said. “No matter what, when or even if they aren’t playing, they are good at playing a role. That is huge in this sport… they are already ready whenever called on.”
The Indians played their first home game of the season at Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium Wednesday, splitting a doubleheader with the Tulsa Barons Gold. The Indians won the first game 5-3, but fell to the Gold 10-2 in the nightcap.
Bartlesville opened the first game with a five-run first inning. Leadoff hitter Jaxon Zaun reached second base following an error by the shortstop. With one out, Rhett Leu tripled to center field to drive in Zaun for the Indians’ first run. Grant Goldman followed with an RBI single to score Leu, and Eryk Delgado entered the game to pinch run for Goldman.
With two outs, Coen Miller hit a two-run home run to right field, increasing the lead to 4-0.
“Miller has been a force everywhere he’s been—right field dominating and at the plate hitting missiles,” Osborne said.
Bryce Luelf, a Bartlesville Bruin product, was then hit by a pitch, stole second, and scored on a Henry Calderon single to left field to cap the five-run frame. That early offensive output proved to be just enough for Bartlesville, as Tulsa responded by scoring three runs across the second and third innings.
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Bartlesville Doenges Toyota Indian Coen Miller (0) is congratulated after a home run during the first game of a doubleheader against the Tulsa Barons Gold last Wednesday. The Indians split a doubleheader during their opening home night in Bartlesville.
BECKY BURCH/Bartlesville Area Sports Report
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Easton Howard earned the win, striking out eight batters over four innings. Howard allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits and four walks. Easton Davis, a Dewey product, pitched three innings of one-hit relief, striking out two to secure the victory.
The nightcap didn’t go in favor of the Indians, with the Barons winning 10-2 in five innings.
“Game two was a rough one, but honestly, I feel it was good for us,” Osborne said. “We know how we need to respond and to set the record straight that’s not us and how we play.”
Osborne said he has been impressed with the development across the lineup this season, noting that narrowing down individual players to single out is difficult. However, he applauded Zaun's leadership as a central anchor for the group.
“He plays unselfishly, has been smashing the ball and is a terror on the bases,” Osborne said of the player he nicknamed “Cap.”
Osborne also praised Goldman's defensive presence, calling him "an absolute animal behind the plate."
The pitching staff has provided a solid foundation for the Indians behind the arms of several local veterans. Osborne highlighted Copan’s Zane Stricklin, along with Dewey’s Lathe Griggs and Joel Perez, who all turned in strong performances during the Branson tournament.
In addition, Barnsdall’s Lincoln Gott has assumed a key role in the team’s rotation, while Braxten Willis and Gavin Wood have provided a spark as new additions to the team.
“All in all we are extremely excited for the rest of the season and look forward to a great year with these guys,” Osborne said.
Members of the Bartlesville Doenges Toyota Indians run onto the field between innings last Wednesday at Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium. The photograph was captured by 6-year-old Tate Bartholomew, granddaughter of Bartlesville Area Sports Report co-founder Becky Burch.
TATE BARTHOLOMEW/ Bartlesville Area Sports Report