OU baseball: Sooners rally to upend Hofstra in 11 innings
You could not ask for a more exciting way to end a double-header than what happened at L. Dale Mitchell Park on Saturday.
After taking game-one of the double-header, 3-2, the No. 19 Oklahoma baseball team overcame a six-run deficit to defeat Hofstra, 11-10, in extra innings.
Key Stat: Three — OU (3-0) scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth on freshman center fielder Craig Aikin's RBI fielder's choice and junior first baseman Matt Oberste’s two-run single to tie the game at 10. Also, OU scored three runs in three different innings — in the fourth, seventh and ninth innings, respectively — to mount multiple comebacks throughout the game.
Key Player: Junior first baseman Matt Oberste — The part-time designated hitter/first baseman delivered when the Sooners needed him most. He shot a two-out, two-run single into center field with the bases loaded to bring in the game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth.
Honorable Mentions: Freshman reliever Jacob Evans — the lefty induced a bases-loaded double play to end the top of the 11th to keep the game tied at 10; freshman center fielder Craig Aikin — he ran down multiple fly balls to save runs and scored the game-winning run on a dropped fly ball in center.
What it means: The Sooners were part of two close games Saturday, and even though it’s only the opening weekend, it’s a good sign. Blowing out teams in the first weekend of the season is expected, but playing tight games helps both a team’s psyche and the toughness. Wins like these are big for later in the season when OU finds itself in a tight game against conference foes. Also, winning in extra innings when there were so many moments when the game looked lost is something that can bring this team together.
What’s next for the Sooners: OU concludes its four-game set with Hofstra (0-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday at L. Dale Mitchell Park. The Sooners will be going for the series sweep against the visiting Pride.
The Oklahoma Daily is committed to serving you with accurate coverage. Please submit a correction request if you find an error, and an editor will review the mistake.
Join the conversation
The Oklahoma Daily is pleased to provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts and views about the issues of the day. By joining the conversation, you agree to the terms and conditions listed in our comment policy. Log in to your Facebook account to leave a comment.
Read the OUDaily.com Comment Policy to learn more about our guidelines