Oklahoma State took game two in the Bedlam series in Stillwater on a walk-off wild pitch to set up a pivotal Sunday matchup.
Bedlam baseball has provided the drama in the first two games of their three-game weekend series. After the Sooners took game one on Friday after a comeback from three runs down late in the game, on Saturday, it was Oklahoma State completing the late comeback for the win.
The Cowboys scored first in the bottom of the first and then added two more in the second to jump out to a 3-0 lead on starting pitcher David Sandlin. In the third inning the Oklahoma Sooners would provide some run support, plating three runs to tie the game. Tanner Tredaway brought in two runs on a single, which was followed up by an RBI single from Jimmy Crooks.
Sandlin fought through some ups and downs but had a huge moment in the bottom of the fourth inning. After Oklahoma State loaded the bases, Sandlin worked to an 0-2 count before ending the inning with a huge strikeout.
The game would settle in a bit as neither side could get much going offensively until the Sooners’ four-run seventh inning. Oklahoma jumped out to a 7-3 lead taking advantage of some timely mistakes by the Oklahoma defense and some aggressive baserunning.
Oklahoma State brought in a run to make it 7-4 in the bottom of the seventh and tied the game with three runs in the bottom of the eighth.
The Sooners were shut down in the top of the ninth and the Oklahoma State Cowboys won it on a wild pitch from Trevin Michael to even the series.
After the Sooners bullpen threw four scoreless innings on Friday night, they couldn’t withstand the Oklahoma State hitters on Saturday. In five innings worked, the Sooners allowed seven hits and four earned runs. Some costly errors by the Sooners’ defense didn’t help but ultimately the Cowboys’ lineup was too much on Saturday night.
“I thought the offense battled all night,” Oklahoma head coach Skip Johnson told SoonerSports.com. “There were a few unforced errors. Some catcher’s interference led to some runs. We’ve had some things happen to us and we give up big innings. We have to somehow figure out just getting back to the target. We played a (heck) of a game. It’s a game of imperfection. The bullpen was really good. I mean, coming in with runners on first and second and not giving up runs. Those guys battled their butts off.”
The Cowboys left 12 runners on base, which is a testament to what Coach Johnson spoke about. The bullpen battled. They’ve been an important factor in each of the first two games of the series.
With nine innings pitched heading into the deciding Sunday matchup, the Sooners will need a strong effort from left-hander Chazz Martinez (2-2). Oklahoma State will counter with Bryce Osmond (1-1). Both pitchers sport an ERA over four, so the Sunday showdown in Stillwater could provide some more fireworks.
First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+. Or you can listen to Toby Rowland on the call on SportsTalk 99.3 FM/1400 AM KREF or on SportsTalk1400.com and the Varsity App.
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