No. 14 Oklahoma nearly pulled off a stunning comeback Friday night, erasing most of a seven-run deficit before ultimately falling to No. 10 Georgia, 10-9, at Foley Field. The loss evens the series at one game apiece, setting up a decisive rubber match Saturday morning.
After being no-hit through the first four innings and trailing 6-0 early, the Sooners (30-12, 11-9 SEC) battled back to outscore the Bulldogs 9-4 over the final five frames. However, the rally fell just short, leaving the tying run on base in both the eighth and ninth innings.
Georgia (34-11, 11-9 SEC) jumped out fast, plating a solo home run from Slate Alford in the first inning before erupting for five runs in the second, highlighted by a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch and a three-run double from Alford. Oklahoma starter Cade Crossland eventually settled in, retiring six straight across the third and fourth innings, but the early damage was done.
Oklahoma finally broke through in the fifth after singles from Jason Walk and Dasan Harris and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases. Dawson Willis drove in a run with a double to left, trimming the lead to 6-2. However, Georgia quickly answered with a three-run homer by Tre Phelps in the bottom half of the inning to extend the margin to 9-2.
The Sooners refused to fold. Freshman Kyle Branch and Willis each delivered key hits in a three-run sixth to chip away at the deficit, and Walk and Branch added RBIs in the seventh. Even after Georgia tacked on an insurance run via a Cade Brown RBI double, Oklahoma struck again, scoring two more on a two-run single from Walk to make it a one-run game heading into the final inning.
In the ninth, Willis collected his career-best fourth hit of the night to put the tying run on base, but Georgia reliever Zach Harris slammed the door with a game-ending strikeout.
Willis led the Sooners’ offensive surge, finishing 4-for-5 with three RBIs and two extra-base hits. Walk and Branch also posted multi-hit nights, combining for five RBIs. Crossland (3-3) took the loss, allowing seven runs on three hits and three walks over four innings, while five OU relievers worked to keep the Sooners within striking distance.
With the series now tied, the two teams will meet in a pivotal rubber match Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, televised on SEC Network and available on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF and The Varsity Network app.
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