Oklahoma (11-1) returns to L. Dale Mitchell Park this weekend for its final non-conference series before SEC play begins, facing off against Sam Houston (3-9) in a three-game set. The Sooners look to bounce back after their first loss of the season, an 11-0 defeat at No. 21 Dallas Baptist on Tuesday.
Schedule Update: Oklahoma vs. Sam Houston Baseball Series Adjusted Due to Weather
Oklahoma’s weekend series against Sam Houston has been adjusted due to forecasted inclement weather in Norman on Saturday.
- Game 1: Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT (as scheduled)
- Game 2: Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT
- Game 3: Sunday (approximately 45 minutes after Game 2) – 7-inning game
Fans with tickets for Saturday’s originally scheduled game can use them for the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader. The stadium will not be cleared between games, and re-entry will be allowed.
Season ticket holders must redownload their tickets via the Oklahoma Sooners app. Those unable to attend due to the schedule change can contact the OU Athletics Ticket Office at 405-325-2424 or email outickets@ou.edu for ticket exchange options.
All three games will be available on SEC Network+ and can be heard on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF or nationwide on The Varsity Network app.
Stay tuned for further updates, and be sure to adjust your plans accordingly!
Sooners Seeking Strong Finish to Non-Conference Play
Oklahoma’s 11-0 start was its best since a program-record 16-0 run to open the 2011 season. The Sooners have already notched two top-10 wins, defeating No. 2 Virginia and No. 7 Oregon State at the Round Rock Classic. OU enters the weekend ranked as high as No. 10 (Baseball America) and has climbed three spots in the D1Baseball poll to No. 13.
Historically, Oklahoma holds an 8-6 advantage over Sam Houston but has lost five straight to the Bearkats, dating back to 2015. The Sooners, however, are 5-2 when facing Sam Houston in Norman.
Pitching Dominance Fuels Hot Start
OU’s pitching staff has been a driving force behind its early success, boasting a 3.23 team ERA while striking out 123 batters. The weekend rotation has been particularly strong:
- Friday Starter: RHP Kyson Witherspoon (3-0, 1.50 ERA, 28 K, 3 BB) – The Golden Spikes Preseason Watch List honoree leads the Sooners in strikeouts (28) and ranks 12th nationally.
- Saturday Starter: RHP Malachi Witherspoon (2-0, 2.65 ERA, 18 K, 6 BB) – The younger Witherspoon has provided stability on Saturdays.
- Sunday Starter: RHP Cameron Johnson (1-0, 3.86 ERA, 15 K, 8 BB) – The redshirt freshman is settling into his role in the rotation.
Oklahoma’s bullpen depth has also impressed, with 10 different arms contributing early in the season. Senior Dylan Crooks has been effective as the team’s closer, collecting three saves in four appearances while posting a 7:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in seven innings.
Offensive Standouts to Watch
The Sooners’ lineup has been potent, outscoring opponents 94-40. Several key hitters have emerged:
- Kyle Branch (Fr., IF) – .386 AVG, 8 RBI – The freshman has made an immediate impact in the lineup.
- Easton Carmichael (So., C) – .350 AVG, 13 RBI, 3 HR – The NCBWA All-American leads OU in RBIs.
- Jaxon Willits (So., SS) – .345 AVG, 3 HR, 11 RBI – A reliable bat at the top of the order.
- Sam Christiansen (RS-So., OF) – .549 OBP, 17 BB (5th in NCAA) – The transfer has shown elite plate discipline, leading the team in OBP and walks.
Keys to the Weekend Series
- Bounce Back on the Mound: OU’s pitching staff must shake off Tuesday’s loss, where they allowed four home runs to Dallas Baptist.
- Early Offensive Pressure: Scoring early will be crucial against a Sam Houston team that has struggled at 3-9.
- Strong Bullpen Performance: The Sooners’ deep relief corps will be vital in securing late-inning leads.
With a final tune-up before SEC play, Oklahoma looks to finish non-conference action on a high note. Fans can catch all the action on SECN+ and The REF radio network as the Sooners aim to continue their impressive start to the 2025 season.
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