baseball
OU baseball: Sooners blank New Mexico State in series opener
Jono Greco, The Oklahoma Daily
Senior third baseman Garrett Carey hits one off the wall in left for an RBI double in the third inning of OU's 4-2 game-one victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
The No. 23 Oklahoma baseball team defeated New Mexico State, 8-0, Tuesday night at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
The Sooners (13-4) held on to a two-run lead throughout the early innings before exploding for four runs in the sixth to provide some breathing room and cruising to victory.
Key Stat: 20 — Junior designated hitter Matt Oberste has hit safely in 20 straight games dating back to the 2012 season. After a 3-for-3 night with an RBI, he is hitting .438 with five homers and 25 RBIs through 17 games.
Key Player: Freshman pitcher Ralph Garza Jr. — The freshman tossed 4 1/3 innings of two-hit, shutout ball after junior Drew Krittenbrink struggled a bit as the starter. Garza struck out five batters, but he did allow six free bases — three walks and three hit by pitches — to keep New Mexico State at bay in the middle innings. He was credited with the victory to improve to 2-0.
Honorable Mention: Senior third baseman Garrett Carey — Carey provided more than enough offense the Sooners would need Tuesday night. He struck for two doubles and drove in three runs, including a two-run double in the sixth that broke the game open.
What it means: The Sooners cannot afford too many more midweek losses, especially against teams whom OU should defeat. This victory was a step in the right direction, helping the Sooners improve to 3-1 during midweek games.
What’s next for the Sooners: OU and New Mexico State will conclude their two-game series at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
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