No. 12 Oklahoma made history on Sunday afternoon, securing its first-ever SEC series victory in dramatic fashion with a thrilling 6-5 win over South Carolina in 10 innings. The Sooners (17-2, 2-1 SEC) battled back from multiple deficits before sophomore Jason Walk delivered the game-winning home run in the top of the 10th inning.
Sooners Overcome Early Struggles to Secure Win
Oklahoma’s first SEC road series was filled with adversity, and Sunday’s rubber match at Founders Park in Columbia, SC, was no exception. The Sooners faced an early setback when starting pitcher Cameron Johnson exited in the first inning after just nine pitches due to illness.
With Johnson sidelined, head coach Skip Johnson turned to junior left-hander Cade Crossland, who delivered a heroic relief effort, keeping OU in the game with 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. Despite his strong performance, Oklahoma found itself trailing early as South Carolina (16-5, 1-2 SEC) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning without recording a hit.
The Sooners finally broke through in the fourth inning when sophomore Jaxon Willits led off with a single and later scored on a sacrifice fly from fellow sophomore Dasan Harris, tying the game at 1-1. However, South Carolina responded in the fifth with an RBI triple and a bases-loaded hit by pitch, reclaiming the lead at 3-1.
Late-Inning Heroics Fuel Oklahoma’s Comeback
Trailing by two runs entering the seventh inning, the Sooners showed resilience. Freshman Drew Dickerson worked a leadoff walk before Jason Walk advanced him with a sacrifice bunt. With two outs, junior Easton Carmichael delivered a clutch two-run double off the left-field wall, tying the game at 3-3.
South Carolina quickly regained control, plating single runs in the seventh and eighth innings via a wild pitch and a bases-loaded hit by pitch, respectively, to take a 5-3 lead into the ninth.
Facing their final three outs, Oklahoma refused to go quietly. Sam Christiansen, Carmichael, and Willits loaded the bases, putting pressure on the South Carolina defense. A costly error by the Gamecocks allowed Dayton Tockey to reach base and Christiansen to score, cutting the deficit to 5-4. Moments later, freshman Kyle Branch delivered a game-tying infield single, sending the contest into extra innings.
Walk’s Blast Seals the Deal
With momentum on their side, the Sooners capitalized in the top of the 10th inning. Walk, batting from the left side, faced South Carolina closer Brendan Sweeney in a pivotal moment. On a 3-1 pitch, Walk launched a towering solo home run to left-center field, giving Oklahoma its first lead of the game at 6-5.
With the lead in hand, OU turned to senior closer Dylan Crooks to secure the victory. Crooks, who had entered in the seventh inning, showcased his poise under pressure. Despite allowing a one-out single and an error that put the tying run in scoring position, Crooks induced back-to-back pop-ups to second baseman Kyle Branch to seal the victory. His 3 2/3 innings of relief earned him his first win of the season, complementing his SEC-best six saves.
Pitching and Offensive Standouts
Oklahoma’s pitching depth was put to the test after Johnson’s early exit, but Crossland, Jason Bodin, and Crooks combined to deliver a gritty performance. Crossland tossed 4 2/3 innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits while striking out four. Bodin followed with 1 2/3 innings, surrendering one run before giving way to Crooks, who battled through 57 pitches in his longest outing of the season.
At the plate, Carmichael led the way with a multi-hit game, including his crucial two-run double. Walk’s 10th-inning homer was his second of the season and the fifth of his career. Branch’s game-tying single in the ninth proved instrumental, while Christiansen and Willits set the table for key scoring opportunities.
What’s Next for the Sooners?
With their first SEC series win secured, the Sooners return to Norman for a non-conference matchup against UT Arlington on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on SECN+ and available via The REF radio network. Following that, Oklahoma will host Mississippi State for its SEC home opener next weekend, March 21-23, at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
Sunday’s win not only marked a significant milestone in Oklahoma’s transition to the SEC but also showcased the resilience and determination that define this year’s team. With a 17-2 record and momentum on their side, the Sooners are proving they belong among the conference’s elite.
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