That’s two conference series victories! No. 10 Oklahoma continued its impressive start to SEC play, securing a 7-3 win over Mississippi State on Sunday to take the series at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
The Sooners (20-3, 4-2 SEC) used a balanced offensive attack, strong bullpen work, and timely defensive plays to pick up their second consecutive weekend series victory, following last week’s road triumph at South Carolina.
Early Offense and Resilience
Oklahoma grabbed an early lead when junior Easton Carmichael put the Sooners on the board in the first inning with an RBI groundout. The early spark continued into the second inning when Dawson Willis, one of the hottest hitters in the Sooners’ lineup, roped an RBI double down the left-field line to extend the advantage to 2-0.
Mississippi State (15-9, 1-5 SEC) responded in the third, capitalizing on a two-run double and an RBI single to briefly take a 3-2 lead. A crucial throwing error by Oklahoma’s defense helped the Bulldogs’ rally, marking the only real blemish of the day for OU’s pitching staff. However, the Sooners didn’t let the momentum shift last long.
Game-Turning Moments
The pivotal momentum shift arrived in the fifth inning when OU left-hander Beau Sampson entered the game with the bases loaded and just one out. The junior forced Mississippi State’s Gatlin Sanders into a crucial 4-6-3 double play, escaping the jam and keeping the deficit at just one run. The Sooner faithful erupted, knowing how critical that sequence was in preserving Oklahoma’s chances of taking the game.
That set the stage for Sam Christiansen’s heroics in the bottom of the inning. The redshirt sophomore hammered the first pitch he saw over the right-field fence to tie the game at 3-3. It was his first home run in SEC play and could not have come at a better time for the Sooners.
The Sooners seized control in the sixth, plating three runs to take the lead for good. After a leadoff single from Trey Gambill and an MSU error, Carmichael delivered his second RBI of the game with a base hit to put OU back on top. Freshman Kyle Branch added an RBI fielder’s choice before pinch hitter Brayden Horton capped the inning with an RBI groundout, making it 6-3. Oklahoma executed small-ball baseball flawlessly in the frame, moving runners over and capitalizing on every opportunity.
Bullpen Seals the Deal
With the lead in hand, the Oklahoma bullpen delivered a dominant performance. Freshman left-hander Jaden Barfield continued his stellar season, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings before handing the ball to closer Dylan Crooks. Barfield, who has quickly developed into one of Oklahoma’s most reliable arms, showed poise beyond his years, retiring the Bulldogs with ease.
In an unusual twist, Crooks—who entered the game after starting catcher Scott Mudler exited due to injury—found himself in the batter’s box in the eighth inning. Tasked with executing a squeeze bunt, the right-hander delivered a textbook sacrifice, scoring Branch from third to tack on an insurance run. The Sooners’ dugout erupted in laughter and cheers as Crooks, who admitted after the game that he rarely practices hitting, pulled off a key offensive play to help his team.
Crooks then returned to the mound and shut the door with a flawless ninth inning, striking out two to notch his SEC-leading seventh save. His dominance on the mound has been a major storyline for Oklahoma this season, and Sunday’s performance only added to his growing legend.
Defensive Excellence and Speed on Display
Beyond the pitching and hitting, Oklahoma’s defense and aggressive baserunning played a crucial role in the victory. The Sooners stole six bases in the game, including two by sophomore Jaxon Willits, showcasing their ability to manufacture runs without relying solely on big swings.
Oklahoma’s infield defense also turned two key double plays, helping to neutralize Mississippi State’s offensive threats. Head coach Skip Johnson has emphasized the importance of clean defense all season, and Sunday’s effort was a testament to that focus.
Stat Standouts
- Easton Carmichael: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
- Sam Christiansen: 1-for-4, HR, RBI
- Dawson Willis: 1-for-3, RBI double
- Malachi Witherspoon (ND): 4.1 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 1 BB
- Dylan Crooks (S, 7): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 K
The bullpen combined for 4.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three. The depth and reliability of Oklahoma’s relief corps have been a major factor in their 20-3 start.
What’s Next?
With another series win under their belt, the Sooners will hit the road for a midweek matchup at Oral Roberts on Tuesday night before traveling to Tuscaloosa for a weekend showdown against No. 12 Alabama. This upcoming series will provide another big test for Oklahoma as they look to keep their momentum rolling in SEC play.
“This team is showing who they really are,” head coach Skip Johnson said. “The resiliency, the fight, and the ability to step up in big moments—that’s what we’re about. We know there’s still a long way to go, but we like the way we’re playing right now.”
With the offense clicking, the bullpen locked in, and the Sooners continuing to find different ways to win, Oklahoma is proving to be one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. The road ahead will only get tougher, but if the first two SEC weekends are any indication, this team is more than ready for the challenge.
First pitch for Tuesday’s game at Oral Roberts is set for 6 p.m. CT, with the game available on ESPN+ and radio coverage provided by The REF and The Varsity Network app.
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