Oklahoma got a third consecutive strong pitching performance in the USD Tournament out in San Diego. On the heels of complete game performances from starters Michael Rocha and Bobby Shore, Burch Smith gave the Sooners yet another strong outing from the starting rotation to help Oklahoma's baseball team achieve a mark never reached before in the history of the program.
Smith faced 32 batters over 7.1 innings of work. He only surrendered three runs on 8 hits and struck out two in order to pick up his second win of the season. Most notably Smith showed the mental toughness to battle back after the Sooners fell behind 2-1 in the fist inning which ultimately allowed the Sooners to win 5-3.
Even more impressive than Smith's performance was Jack Mayfield who once again showed off his versatility. Mayfield started the game at second base for Oklahoma. He led off the seventh inning with a single to left field and then advanced to second on a Cody Reine bunt. Mayfield eventually scored Oklahoma's fifth run when Max White knocked him in. However, he was far from being finished with having an impact on the game.
Burch Smith got into a little bit of trouble in the bottom of the 8th when he hit Devin Rogriguez with a pitch. Chad Bunting came up next and doubled to centerfield, scoring Rodriguez and drawing Cal. to within 5-3. That's when Sunny Galloway made the switch and put Mayfield on the mound. He finished the game by pitching the final 1.2 innings, striking out two batters and allowing no runs. It was the type of gritty performance that defines this team.
Oklahoma is now 13-0 on the season which is the best start to a baseball season in school history. The Sooners have one game left in the USD Tournament and will play San Diego State at Noon today.
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