The Oklahoma Sooners traveled to Stillwater for a non-conference meeting with in-state rival, the Oklahoma State Cowboys. As the two nationally ranked opponents took to the diamond, only one could reign victorious. In this round of Bedlam Baseball, it would be the Cowboys taking the win 4-3.
Cowboys take the first round of #Bedlam as @J_Cowan2 gets the game-ending strikeout! #okstate pic.twitter.com/6pJLs1yIcq
— OSU Cowboy Baseball (@OSUBaseball) March 22, 2017
Trailing 4-2 heading into the eighth inning, Oklahoma’s Steele Walker coasted into third base after sending the ball through a gap in right-center. Patiently waiting for something to happen, OSU’s Cole Hearrean made quick work of the next two recording consecutive outs. However, a balk call sent Walker home as the Sooners pulled to within one run while forcing Hearrean off the mound in favor of Jake Cowan.
Flipping over bottom half of the frame, OSU found themselves unable to add an insurance run to the scoreboard. Utilizing two pitchers in Braidyn Fink and Vincenzo Aiello, the Cowboys were sat down in order leading to a bit of drama.
In the final inning of play, the Sooners’ freshman Brandon Zaragoza secure a lead-off single putting the pressure on the pitching staff of Oklahoma State. Sacrificing themselves for the betterment of the team, Ben Hollas grounded out along with Jack Flansburg moving Zaragoza to third base. Staring down the mound, Cowan focused in delivering the final punch by striking out Brylie Ware.