For the second consecutive season, the Oklahoma Sooners have eliminated the Kansas State Wildcats from Big XII Tournament play. Struggling to open the game, Alec Hansen seemed to fall victim to the lack of control that has plagued him all season long. In the first inning, the pitcher hit two batters while KSU knocked a single to drive in the runners.
However, the Sooners answered in the top of the second. With no outs and two runners in scoring position, a wild pitch sent Neuse across the plate. Moments later, Cody Thomas connected on a deep ball to left field bringing Austin O'Brien home to even the score.
From that point on, Oklahoma took control while Hansen settled into a bit of rhythm. Clinging to a 4-2 lead after the close of the second frame, the offense exploded in the third. Already having surrendered three runs, the Wildcats opted to initially walk a batter. The move loaded the bases for Alex Wise. With a swing of the bat, the senior delivered a base clearing triple as OU claimed a commanding 10-2 lead.
Finding a bit of life in the 7th inning, K-State forced Hansen off the mound following two consecutive walks to start the inning. Now, facing Chris Andritsos, the freshman walked a third batter loading the bases for the Wildcats. Ripping a double, Dalrymple added two RBIs to the resume effectively cutting the lead to six with no outs.
Once again dipping into the bullpen, Oklahoma put Shawn Hunter on the mound hoping to limit the damage. However, KSU was able to score four runs on three hits during the inning as the lead remained 10-6.
Fortunately, the Sooners defense stepped up to the challenge allowing only a single run in the remaining two frames to secure the 13-7 win.