Rohlingers Blasts Cap Eight-Run Comeback In 12-11 Win

NORMAN, Okla. - Ryan Rohlinger's first two career home runs helped erase an eight run Baylor lead as Oklahoma came from behind for the second consecutive game to win 12-11 Saturday afternoon at L. Dale Mitchell Park.

Rohlinger's first shot, a two-run homer to left field, tied the game at 11 in the bottom of the sixth inning and his second shot, a solo job to left field, provided the game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth. Sooner closer Jarod McAuliff (5-0) came on for the final 1.1 innings to pick up his second win over the Bears in the series.

Oklahoma improved to 14-10 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12 Conference, while Baylor dropped to 9-16 and 2-3 in the league.

“This is a big win for our hitters to be down 11-3 early in the game and comeback to win it,” said Oklahoma head coach Larry Cochell following the victory.

Cochell also credited the win to two key players that stepped up their game late in the contest.

“Ryan Rohlinger is an outstanding hitter and we've been anxiously awaiting his return,” said Cochell. “Daniel McCutchen was also a key player in this ballgame today. He came in and stabilized the game for us for over two innings.”

Box Score

For the second time in a week, Rohlinger recorded a key hit to win the game in conference action. Last Saturday, the West Bend, Wis., native delivered a two run game-winning double in the bottom of the eighth inning to cap off a three run rally to defeat top-ranked Texas, 3-2.

After three OU hurlers combined to account for all 11 Baylor runs, junior reliever Daniel McCutchen came on to pair up with McAuliff to hold the Bears scoreless for the final four frames. He allowed only four hits and struck out two batters in his 2.2 innings of work.

McAuliff collected his team-leading fifth victory after getting the final four outs of the game. With Baylor threatening with runners at the corners and two outs in the top of the eighth inning, McAuliff entered the game and fanned first baseman Drew Sutton for the final out. He then proceeded to retire the side in the top of the ninth inning to clench the win.

Rohlinger's home runs weren't the only long balls to provide key runs in the come-from-behind victory. Sophomore second baseman Russell Raley (1-for-4) went deep for his first home run of the season in the fifth inning to spark a six-run frame for the Sooners which launched the comeback. Raley's homer drove in the first three runs of the inning as the offense patiently worked for three more after two outs.

With two outs, Oklahoma loaded the bases on a single, walk and hit batter, before freshman designated hitter Chad Lembeck (1-for-3) hit an infield single to first base to drive in a run. Sophomore catcher Brandon Lance (1-for-3) then pulled another single to the right side to plate two more runs to cut Baylor's lead to 11-9.

For the second straight contest, Oklahoma plated two runs in their half of the first inning to grab an early 2-0 advantage. Junior first baseman Ole Sheldon (3-for-5) singled in senior rightfielder Andrew McGuire (1-for-4), who led off the inning with a walk, for the first run. Sheldon then scored on junior third baseman Matt Bose's (1-for-2) double.

The Bears opened up a large 6-2 lead in the top of the second inning as they sent 11 players to the plate in the inning and collected five hits. Baylor played station-to-station ball for their first two runs before shortstop Kyle Reynolds hit a grand slam to account for the final three runs of the frame. All the runs were scored off of freshman Ryan Mottern who was making his second start.

Baylor continued to scratch out single runs in the fourth and fifth innings before Reynolds cleared the bases again in the sixth inning with a three-run shot to stretch its lead to 11-3.

The series concludes tomorrow with a 1 p.m. start time at L. Dale Mitchell Park. Sooner junior lefthander David Purcey (2-3) will throw for the Sooners, while junior righthander Sean Walker (1-3) will take the mound for the Bears.