Oklahoma got things off on the right track to start the 2020 season.
The Sooners, after losing the season-opening game 6-0 Friday night, fought back on Saturday to win both games of a double-header to win the opening series against Virginia.
After being shutout in game one, the Oklahoma lineup started off hot on Saturday. Jordan Vujovich, in his first start of 2020, lead off the first game with a double and ended up scoring. The Sooners jumped out to a 6-0 lead by the fifth-inning and got some insurance in the ninth to win 7-2.
Southpaw Levi Prater went 4.1 innings pitched in his first start of 2020, gave up two earned runs and had five strikeouts. Zack Matthews got the win with Ledgend Smith and Jason Ruffcorn getting an inning of work.
San Jacinto College transfer Dane Acker got his highly anticipated start out of the way in game two. The junior right-hander went five innings, struck out six Virginia hitters and surrendered only one run and one hit.
After a two-out walk by the Cavaliers reliever in the top of the seventh, Tyler Hardman delivered the first Oklahoma home run of the 2020 season to give the Sooners a 3-1 lead. Hardman also delivered up a two-RBI single in the top of the ninth-inning to push the Sooners lead to four.
Wyatt Olds came on in relief to strike out six hitters in three innings of scoreless work, striking out six batters while walking three and allowing two hits. Jason Ruffcorn closed the door in the bottom of the ninth after inheriting two of Olds’ baserunners. It was Ruffcorn’s second appearance of the day.
Oklahoma will be back in action on Tuesday when the Sooners welcome in Texas Southern for a two-game, mid-week series at home.
First pitch on Tuesday is slated for 3 p.m. CT.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]