Oklahoma Edges Oklahoma State, 9-8, In Big 12 Baseball Tournament

May 17, 2000

Cochell/Bajenaru
Park/Witcher

OKLAHOMA CITY - Jeff Bajenaru belted a two-run homer and closed out the ninth inning to collect his 19th save to lead the third-seeded Oklahoma baseball team to a 9-8 victory over sixth-seeded Oklahoma State Wednesday morning in Game 1 of the Big 12 Tournament at the Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark. Bajenaru's 19th save set a Big 12 Conference record for saves in a season and his base hit in the fifth inning tied a career-high 13-game hitting streak for the senior co-captain. The win marked the fourth victory without a loss for the Sooners (38-19) against the Cowboys (36-21) this season.

Bajenaru's 11th homer of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning, a two-run shot, helped the Sooners extend their lead after the Cowboys pulled to within a run at 6-5 with four runs in the top of the inning. OU catcher Josh Witcher went 2-for-3 at the plate while driving in two runs, including the decisive run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Second baseman Zach Lekse, leftfielder Sean Murphy and third baseman Jason Bartlett all collected two hits in the game to help pace the Sooners offensively. OU starting pitcher Evan Greusel improved to 5-0 on the season after pitching 5.2 innings and allowing only three earned runs.

OSU third baseman Rob Watson led the team with a 3-for-4 day at the plate, including a run scored and and two RBIs. Matt Smith (8-7) was charged with the loss for Oklahoma State after allowing seven runs through five innings.

OU meets seventh-seeded Missouri tomorrow at 5 p.m. at the Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark. The Tigers upset second-seeded Nebraska today by a 12-10 score.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Oklahoma Edges Oklahoma State, 9-8, In Big 12 Baseball Tournament

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