West Virginia even things up in their series against Oklahoma with a late rally that saw the Mountaineers score eight runs in just three innings. Now with the series to be decided in tomorrow's rubber match Oklahoma also has their first place in the conference standings on the line.
Saturday's Big 12 Scores
|
Texas |
6 |
Kansas State |
3 |
Austin, Texas |
|
Southern California |
0 |
TCU |
3 |
Los Angeles, Calif. |
|
Kansas |
6 |
Baylor |
5 |
Lawrence, Kan. |
|
West Virginia |
9 |
Oklahoma |
3 |
Appalachian Power Park; Charleston, W. Va. |
|
Texas Tech |
|
Oklahoma State |
|
Lubbock, Texas |
Baylor won the second game of their series against Kansas which prevented the Jayhawks from tying Oklahoma for first place. However, it puts both Kansas and Baylor just a half game behind Oklahoma with Kansas State and West Virginia a game behind. The only way the Sooners can survive the weekend with the conference lead intact is to win Sunday's series finale against the Mountaineers.
As for Saturday's game, it was the bullpen that once again was Oklahoma's crutch. After Garrett Carey scored in the top of the fifth to give Oklahoma a 2-1 lead, West Virginia rocked Oklahoma for three runs in the bottom of the sixth to retake the lead. That would end the night for Sooner starter Jake Fisher but not Oklahoma's frustration.
Matt Oberste knocked in Max White in the top of the seventh to pull OU back to within one run at 4-3. That would be as close as Oklahoma would get as the Mountaineers had another huge inning looming. Ralph Garza Jr. gave up five runs in the bottom of the fifth to blow the game open 9-3.
As frustrating as Saturday's loss was for Oklahoma fans, the Sooners can still take the series, thus maintaining the conference lead, with a win on Sunday. First pitch in the game is scheduled for Noon.