No. 13 Oklahoma Takes Series Opener From Texas Tech, 10-4

LUBBOCK, Texas - No. 13 Oklahoma captured a 10-4 series opening win against Texas Tech at Dan Law Field Friday night to retain possession of first place in the Big 12 Conference standings. OU starting pitcher Mark Roberts (6-3) became OU's all-time innings pitched leader by working seven strong frames for the win. Six of the runs and RBI in the game were generated from the second, third and fourth hitters in the Sooner lineup. Oklahoma improved to 26-14 overall and 13-3 in the Big 12, while Texas Tech fell to 25-13 overall and 6-6 in the league.

“We really hit the ball well all night long and they robbed us of a couple more with some great defensive plays,” commented OU head coach Larry Cochell. “Mark did great for us tonight on a tough night to pitch with the cold and the wind blowing out.”

Box Score

With 321 innings pitched in his four-year career, Roberts became the all-time leader by passing former Sooner Austin Mix who registered 320.2 innings from 2000-2003. His performance on the mound was one of his best as he held the Red Raiders to four runs (three earned) on six hits, while striking out five and not walking any batters. After giving up three runs in the third inning, Roberts sat down 12 of the last 13 batters he faced before exiting the game.

Sophomore second baseman Russell Raley (2-for-5), junior first baseman Ole Sheldon (3-for-4) and junior designated hitter Eric Thornton (3-for-4) accounted for eight of Oklahoma's 11 hits, six of its runs scored and RBI. Thornton tied his career high in hits, while Sheldon tied his career best in runs scored and RBI. Sheldon also extended his career long hitting streak to 17 games.

Oklahoma took advantage of Tech starting pitcher Steven Thomas' (3-5) wildness in the third inning to plate a pair of runs and take a 2-0 lead. Thomas hit the second batter of the frame, sophomore shortstop Ryan Rohlinger (0-for-3), and following a stolen base, Raley drove in Rohlinger with a base hit.

Two batters later the second run scored on an error by the Red Raider first baseman who attempted to get the lead out at second base and threw errantly allowing Raley to score from second base.

The Red Raiders immediately tied the score and took the lead in the bottom half of the frame. The first two runs came off the bat of Tech shortstop Cameron Blair who hit a two run homer to right field. A single and a double followed the home run and a sacrifice fly by leftfielder Michael Mask brought home the third run.

Oklahoma plated three runs in each the fifth and sixth frames to grab a commanding 8-3 lead. The first three batters of the fifth inning collected hits to score two runs and then freshman catcher Josh Stinson (2-for-4) hit a clutch two out double to drive in a third run.

Rohlinger got things started for the Sooners in the sixth inning with a one out walk. Following the second out, Sheldon sent his second straight double to right-center field to bring Rohlinger home. Thornton and senior rightfielder Andrew McGuire (1-for-5) kept the hit parade going with a RBI-double and a RBI-single, respectively.

OU continued to put the game away with two more runs in the seventh inning courteousy of a TTU error to extend the lead to 10-3. Stinson hit his second consecutive double to lead off the inning and scored with two outs on an error on the Tech shortstop. The error kept the inning alive as Raley drew a walk and Sheldon drove in his career high tying third run of the game with a single to right field.

Tech rightfielder Madison Edwards hit a solo home run off the scoreboard to tack on a final run for the Red Raiders in the seventh inning and make the score 10-4.

Saturday's contest begins at 2 p.m. at Dan Law Field with a matchup on the mound between OU's David Purcey (5-3) and TTU's Dallas Braden (2-3).