The No. 20/25 Oklahoma Sooners continued their dominant start to the 2025 season with an impressive 8-4 victory over No. 7 Oregon State on Saturday night at the Round Rock Classic. With the win, the Sooners improved to 5-0, handing the Beavers (5-1) their first loss of the season. It also marked Oklahoma’s first top-10 victory since upsetting No. 9 Tennessee in February 2024.
Early Challenge, Strong Response
Oregon State wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning. Aiva Arquette launched a two-run home run to left field, putting the Beavers in control early. However, Oklahoma right-hander Malachi Witherspoon (W, 2-0) stayed composed, retiring three of the next four batters and settling in to keep Oregon State at bay for the remainder of his outing. Witherspoon pitched 4.1 innings, allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out three.
Sooners Explode in the Fourth
After being held scoreless for the first three frames, Oklahoma’s offense erupted in the fourth inning. The rally started when junior Easton Carmichael was hit by a pitch, followed by a double from Trey Gambill to put runners in scoring position. True freshman Kyle Branch continued his hot streak at the plate, delivering a two-run single to right field to tie the game at 2-2.
Moments later, senior Scott Mudler delivered the go-ahead blow, launching a two-run homer to right-center field—his first long ball of the season—to put the Sooners ahead 4-2.
Extending the Lead
Oklahoma kept the momentum going, tacking on two more runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Branch came through once again, driving in his third RBI of the game with a groundout that brought Sam Christiansen home. Then, in the sixth, Carmichael showcased his power with a two-run blast to left field, his team-leading third home run of the season, extending the Sooners’ advantage to 8-2.
Shutting the Door
Oregon State attempted to mount a comeback in the eighth inning, plating two runs on a two-out single by AJ Singer to trim the deficit to 8-4. However, Oklahoma’s bullpen proved too strong. Sophomore right-hander Jason Bodin entered the game and quickly ended the threat with a pickoff at first base.
Bodin remained in the game for the ninth, inducing a groundout before striking out two straight batters to seal the Sooners’ statement win.
Strong Pitching Performance
Witherspoon’s solid start set the tone for the Sooners, but the bullpen played a crucial role in securing the victory. Left-handed reliever Cade Crossland was dominant in his three innings of work, allowing just one hit while striking out four. Bodin finished the final 1.2 innings with two strikeouts and one walk, earning his first save of the year.
Branch Continues to Impress
Freshman sensation Kyle Branch has quickly established himself as one of Oklahoma’s most dangerous hitters. He finished the night 3-for-4 with three RBIs, continuing a hot streak that began in the season opener. Branch has been a key contributor in Round Rock, building on his strong debut weekend in which he went 5-for-10 with an inside-the-park home run.
Balanced Offensive Attack
Oklahoma’s offense thrived with contributions from up and down the lineup. Six Sooners recorded hits, while eight different players reached base. The lineup showcased power with two home runs, timely hitting with multiple clutch RBIs, and aggressive baserunning that kept pressure on the Oregon State defense.
Oregon State Struggles Against OU Pitching
The Beavers, who entered the game with a 55-11 scoring advantage over their opponents this season, were stifled by Oklahoma’s pitching staff. Outside of Arquette’s first-inning homer and Singer’s two-run single in the eighth, Oregon State struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Beavers loaded the bases in both the second and fifth innings but failed to cash in, a testament to the poise of OU’s pitching.
What’s Next?
The Sooners will look to close out the Round Rock Classic with another top-tier win as they face No. 2 Virginia on Sunday at 4 p.m. CT. A victory over the Cavaliers would further solidify Oklahoma’s standing as a legitimate contender in 2025. Fans can watch the game via D1Baseball.com (subscription required) or tune in on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF and The Varsity Network app.
Oklahoma’s victory over Oregon State sent a clear message—the Sooners are a team to watch this season. With a balanced offensive attack, a deep and reliable pitching staff, and standout performances from young stars like Kyle Branch, OU has all the makings of a serious contender. Sunday’s matchup against Virginia provides another opportunity to prove they belong among college baseball’s elite.
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