Late Sooner Rally Falls Short In 10-7 Loss To Mavericks

March 19, 2003

ARLINGTON, Texas - Trailing by six runs entering the top of the ninth, the Oklahoma baseball team attempted a late surge and scored three runs in the final frame but fell just short in a 10-7 loss to Texas-Arlington Wednesday night at Clay Gould Ballpark. Despite an unproductive evening at the plate for the Sooners that saw six different UTA hurlers hold OU to four hits through eight frames, Oklahoma junior third baseman Jay Yaconetti provided a bright spot as his patience at the plate and clutch hitting drove in three of Oklahoma's seven runs. Oklahoma dropped to 11-6 on the year with its third consecutive loss while Texas-Arlington improved to 13-12.

OU's ninth inning rally began with three consecutive walks to leadoff the ninth inning to load the bases for senior right fielder Matt Arkison (2-for-5). Arkison stroked a single up the middle to plate a run and senior center fielder Reggie Willits (2-for-2) followed with a RBI-single of his own. Still with no outs and the bases loaded, senior second baseman Eddie Cornejo (0-for-4) hit into a double play which allowed freshman pinch hitter Scott Rooker (0-for-0) to score from third base. However, another ground out to shortstop by Yaconetti (1-for-3) for the third out ended the game.

Following an hour and a half rain delay, Oklahoma got things started early by loading the bases in their first three at bats to lead off the game. A walk issued to Yaconetti forced home Arkison for the first run. Then senior first baseman Luke Alexander (0-for-2) lifted a sacrifice fly to center field in the following at bat to plate Willits for the second score.

OU's early 2-0 lead did not last long as UTA struck back in the bottom of the frame and took the lead on four runs on five hits. A single and two consecutive doubles tied the game at 2-2 before an out was recorded. Following the first out, back-to-back singles led to two more Mavericks runs to open up a 4-2 lead.

The Mavericks then continued to tag OU starting pitcher Austin Mix (2-1) for a run each in the second and third frames to end the senior's night.

Three Sooner relievers were charged with the remaining four UTA runs as the Mavericks were only held scoreless in two frames during the game.

Yaconetti drove in his runs in three of his first four at bats. Following his bases loaded RBI walk in the first frame, Yaconetti again drew a bases loaded walk in the fourth to drive in another run to make the score 6-3 in favor of Texas-Arlington. Yaconetti's third RBI came in the sixth frame when he delivered a two out single to center field to drive home Arkison from second base. It marked the third time in a week, and fifth time this season, that the Gilbert, Ariz., native has tied his career high of three RBI.

The Sooners continue to head south into the state of Texas as they take on Baylor next for a three-game weekend series. First pitch for Friday night's contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Baylor Ballpark in Waco.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Late Sooner Rally Falls Short In 10-7 Loss To Mavericks

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