No. 16 Oklahoma Baseball continued its dominant start to the 2025 season, sweeping CSUN in a three-game series at L. Dale Mitchell Park. The Sooners showcased elite pitching and timely hitting, improving to 11-0 for the first time since their program-record 16-0 start in 2011. Several standout individual performances fueled OU’s success over the weekend.
Kyson Witherspoon Sets the Tone on the Mound
Starting pitcher Kyson Witherspoon delivered another stellar outing in Friday night’s 9-0 shutout victory, further establishing himself as one of the top arms in the SEC. The junior right-hander struck out seven over six scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and one walk. His season strikeout-to-walk ratio now stands at an elite 28-to-3. Witherspoon’s command and efficiency helped the Sooners secure their first shutout of the year, following six in 2024.
Easton Carmichael’s Clutch Bat
Junior Easton Carmichael was a driving force in the Sooners’ offensive attack throughout the series. On Friday, his RBI triple in the fourth inning extended OU’s lead, and he added a two-run single in Saturday’s 10-2 win. The catcher continued to deliver in key moments, finishing the weekend with multiple hits and RBIs, proving his importance in the heart of the Sooners’ lineup.
Kyle Branch Breaks It Open
Infielder Kyle Branch came through in a big way Friday night, crushing a bases-clearing double in the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. The clutch three-RBI hit was a glimpse of his ability to contribute in big moments, a promising sign for the Sooners as they navigate a tough 2025 schedule.
Dawson Willis Sparks the Offense
Dawson Willis was a key table-setter throughout the series, delivering a pivotal RBI double in Sunday’s 3-2 comeback victory. His speed and situational hitting were on full display, as he also executed a bunt single on Saturday to bring home a run. Willis’ ability to produce at the plate and on the basepaths was instrumental in Oklahoma’s offensive efficiency.
Dominant Relief Pitching Locks Down the Sweep
Oklahoma’s bullpen continued to shine, with multiple arms stepping up throughout the series. James Hitt was electric on Friday night, striking out the side in his lone inning of work. Jackson Kircher made a statement in his collegiate debut Saturday, striking out the side in the ninth inning to seal the win. Senior closer Dylan Crooks was clutch in Sunday’s one-run game, tossing two scoreless innings to secure his third save of the season.
Pitching Staff Keeps Opponents in Check
The Sooners’ pitching staff combined to allow just four runs across the entire series while racking up 28 strikeouts. Notably, OU has yet to allow an opponent to score more than five runs in a game this season, a testament to the depth and effectiveness of their arms.
What’s Next?
After a dominant weekend, No. 16 Oklahoma (11-0) heads to Dallas for a key non-conference showdown against No. 19 DBU (8-3) on Tuesday night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and The Varsity Network app. With their best start in over a decade, the Sooners look to keep the momentum rolling against another strong opponent.
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