Sooners Drop Series Finale 5-2 To No. 16 Cornhuskers

March 30, 2003

NORMAN, Okla. - Poor Oklahoma defense and good Nebraska pitching led to the Sooners' 5-2 loss to the 16th-ranked Cornhuskers Sunday afternoon in the series finale at L. Dale Mitchell Park. As in the series opener, the Sooners were hurt by mistakes in the field as they committed a season high six errors which led to two unearned runs for the Huskers. OU was hindered at the plate as well as the offense was only able to generate seven hits off four Nebraska hurlers. The conference series sweep was the second in a row for Oklahoma (11-13, 0-6 Big 12) who's losing streak streched to 10 games. Nebraska improved its record to 19-6 overall and 7-2 in the conference.

For the second game in a row, the Sooners received its offensive help from three players who turned in two hit performances each. Junior third baseman Jay Yaconetti, sophomore left fielder Greg Kish and junior shortstop Denver Kitch all went 2-for-4 at the plate to account for six of the team's seven hits. Kish's two hits tied his career high, while Yaconetti enjoyed a multi-hit effort for the second straight game. Both players were responsible for OU's two runs with RBI-singles each.

The Huskers manufactured an early run in the first inning. A lead off base hit by center fielder Jeff Leise moved around to third base on a sacrifice and a wild pitch and eventually scored on a fielder's choice.

The Cornhuskers cashed in with a pair of two-out RBI hits in each of the third and fourth innings to extend its early lead to 3-0. Third baseman Alex Gordon singled home shortstop Joe Simokaitis in the third frame and Leise tripled in second baseman Bubbs Merrill in the fourth for an unearned run after Merrill reached base on an error.

Left fielder Drew Anderson made it 4-0 in favor of the Huskers with a leadoff home run deep to right field in the top of the sixth inning.

The Sooners were also able to capitalize on two RBI-singles in the sixth inning to plate two runs and cut Nebraska's lead to 4-2. Senior center fielder Reggie Willits (1-for-3) drew a one out walk and put himself in position to score by stealing second and third base. With two outs, Yaconetti singled to right-center field to plate Willits and move senior second baseman Eddie Cornejo (0-for-3), who had walked in the previous at bat, to third base. Cornejo scored in the following at bat Kish's base hit to left.

A throwing error by Sooner reliever David Purcey on a failed pick off attempt at first base allowed Cornhusker designated hitter Brandon Fusilier to wind up at third base. The Huskers cashed in on the next at bat as Gordon drove in his second run of the game with a base hit to right field for the final 5-2 Husker advantage.

OU was unable to muster any more runs as the Sooners were held to only two more hits the remainder of the game. Yaconetti led off the ninth frame with a single and stole second base before Husker closer Tim Schoeninger slammed the door shut on the Sooners by striking out the side for his fourth save of the season.

Junior righthander Mike Swindell (2-2) was charged with the loss in his third start of the season. Swindell gave up the five runs on eight hits, while striking out three and walking only one batter.

Oklahoma will look to end their current skid on Tuesday at home against Wichita State. First pitch for the contest is set for 6:35 p.m. at L. Dale Mitchell Park.

SOONER GAME NOTES:

* Senior center fielder Reggie Willits continued to be one of the Sooners' best on base men as he reached base safely in his 23rd contest.

* The Sooners tied a season high with five stolen bases in the game. OU also swiped five bases against Sam Houston State earlier in the season. Willits had two steals in the game to give him four multi-stolen base on the year.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Sooners Drop Series Finale 5-2 To No. 16 Cornhuskers

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