OU Completes Series Sweep of Baylor With 5-4 Win

NORMAN, Okla. - The Oklahoma Sooners completed the series sweep of the Baylor Bears Sunday afternoon with a 5-4 win at L. Dale Mitchell Park. The win marked the third straight time in the series that the Sooners (15-10, 4-2 Big 12) successfully came from behind for the victory.

Junior first baseman Ole Sheldon was perfect at the plate with a career-high four hits and also drove in the game-winning run. Junior closer Jarod McAuliff made his third appearance in the series and closed out the game for his second save and senior reliever Casey Brown's third win. Baylor dropped to 9-17 overall and 2-4 in Big 12 Conference action.

“We came from behind in all three games which helps your offense believe that we can do this any time,” commented Oklahoma head coach Larry Cochell on the series sweep. “To get back in the conference race after losing two out of three last weekend, you have to go out and get a sweep and that's what we did.

“Ole had a great game today with his four hits to finish off a great series for him. He and Matt Bose both had key two-out RBI hits today that were big for us,” continued Cochell.

Box Score

Sheldon's clutch game-winning single occurred with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning with the score tied at 4-4. With senior rightfielder Andrew McGuire (1-for-4) standing at third base after reaching base on an error and advancing around the bases, Sheldon singled up the middle to bring McGuire all the way home.

Sheldon's two-RBI day was indicative of his recent success at driving in runs. For the week, Sheldon, OU's RBI leader, was successful in driving in a run in all six RBI opportunities, including four times in the Baylor series. His day at the plate also helped the Roseburg, Ore., native overtake the overall team lead in hitting (.353).

Bose's key hit came in the fifth inning to help the Sooners knot the game at 4-4. Sheldon set up the opportunity with a a two-out double just ahead of Bose's single.

McAuliff, who picked up both wins in the first two games of the three-game set, came on for the final two innings to close out the game. The junior closer held the Bears hitless and scoreless for the second time in as many games while fanning two.

The Sooners kept their streak alive of scoring in the first inning in every game of the series with three runs in the bottom of the first frame. McGuire supplied the first run with a solo homer at the top of the order. Sophomore leftfielder Ryan Rohlinger (1-for-4) then produced the Sooners' second extra base hit by lacing a double to left field just before Sheldon and junior designated hitter Eric Thornton (2-for-4) each drove in runs with RBI-singles.

OU's lead did not last long as Baylor quickly went ahead 4-3 in the top of the second inning with four runs. After getting the first out of the inning, Oklahoma starting pitcher David Purcey loaded the bases on consecutive walks before Baylor shortstop Paul Witt brought in two runs with a double. The Bears continued to hit Purcey well as second baseman Drew Sutton and third baseman Michael Griffin delivered RBI-singles to cap off the scoring.

After the second inning trouble, Purcey rebounded to settle in for the next four frames to hold the Bears scoreless for the remainder of his stint. He surrendered six hits, struck out seven and walked seven.

Oklahoma will look for revenge against Oral Roberts Wednesday when the Golden Eagles visit L. Dale Mitchell Park. The start time has yet to be determined.

OU Completes Series Sweep of Baylor With 5-4 Win

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OU Completes Series Sweep of Baylor With 5-4 Win

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