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From the Mound to the Plate: Oklahoma’s Top Stars from the Sam Houston Series

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No. 13 Oklahoma continued its dominant start to the 2025 season with a three-game sweep over Sam Houston, improving to 14-1. The Sooners showcased stellar individual performances across the series, with standout pitching, clutch hitting, and a resilient comeback effort. Here’s a breakdown of the top individual performances from the weekend:

Kyson Witherspoon – Career-High 12 Strikeouts

The junior right-hander delivered a gem in Friday night’s 6-5 series-opening win, tying his career high with 12 strikeouts. Witherspoon was nearly untouchable, striking out 10 consecutive batters from the first through fifth innings. He finished with five dominant innings, allowing just one unearned run on one hit while issuing two walks. Witherspoon improved to 4-0 on the season and continues to anchor Oklahoma’s rotation with electric stuff.

Cameron Johnson – Career-High 8 Strikeouts

Johnson set a career high of his own in Sunday’s 7-3 win, striking out eight batters in five strong innings. The sophomore lefty allowed two runs on four hits while walking two, keeping the Bearkats off balance with a mix of velocity and movement. Johnson moved to 2-0 on the season, solidifying himself as a key piece in the Sooners’ starting rotation.

Easton Carmichael – Power Surge

Carmichael led the charge offensively with a home run in Friday’s win and another RBI double in Sunday’s opener. The junior catcher now leads the team with five home runs on the season and continues to be a reliable force in the middle of the lineup. His solo shot on Friday broke a scoreless tie and provided the spark for the Sooners’ offense.

Dawson Willis – Clutch Bat and First OU Homer

Willis made his presence felt at the plate throughout the weekend, highlighted by a two-run single in Friday’s 6-5 win and a home run in Sunday’s 7-3 victory. The junior’s eighth-inning blast marked his first home run as a Sooner and gave Oklahoma some much-needed insurance. He also contributed a key RBI double earlier in the game, finishing with multiple extra-base hits in the series.

Jaxon Willits – Power and Production

The sophomore infielder showcased his ability to drive the ball, launching his fourth home run of the season in Sunday’s first game. Willits was a steady presence in the lineup, collecting multiple extra-base hits, including an RBI double in Friday’s opener. His offensive production played a major role in the Sooners’ series sweep.

Gavyn Jones – First Win of the Season

Jones was instrumental in Oklahoma’s 9-7 comeback win in Sunday’s series finale, earning his first victory of the year. The sophomore reliever entered in a high-leverage situation and kept the Bearkats’ offense at bay, allowing the Sooners to rally from a 5-1 deficit with a seven-run fourth inning.

Dylan Crooks – Clutch Closing Performance

Senior closer Dylan Crooks secured his fourth save of the season in Friday’s win, shutting the door on a late Sam Houston rally. With the Bearkats threatening in the ninth, Crooks induced a game-ending groundout, preserving Oklahoma’s 6-5 victory. His reliability in the back end of the bullpen has been a crucial asset for the Sooners.

Oklahoma’s dominant start to the season continues, and with standout performances like these, the Sooners are proving they have the depth and talent to compete at the highest level. They’ll look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they continue their quest for postseason success.

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