Sooners Shock Wichita State, 7-3

NORMAN, Okla. - The 18th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners (32-18) outplayed the Wichita State Shockers (34-13), 7-3, en route to their fifth consecutive win Tuesday night at L. Dale Mitchell Park.

The Sooners fought through a tough mid-week contest looking to impress the NCAA committee for a favorable regional bid.

“We weren't quite a sharp as we've been,” said OU head coach Larry Cochell. “But, a win's a win.”

Box Score

Junior right-hander Jarod McAuliff started on the mound for the Sooners and quickly broke down WSU's sluggers, but was pulled in the fourth inning after giving up three runs. Junior right-hander Daniel McCutchen (4-3) relieved McAuliff and finished the game without giving up a run.

“Jarod McAuliff and Daniel McCutchen both pitched us out of jams with the bases loaded,” said Cochell. “Ryan Mottern also had a good night.”

Oklahoma took the early lead by scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Ryan Mottern (3-for-4), the Sooners' left fielder, blasted a triple to left field, scoring junior third baseman Matt Bose (1-for-4), junior first baseman Ole Sheldon (2-for-4) and sophomore second baseman Russell Raley (0-for-4).

The Sooners scored again in the third off another Mottern hit, but he was picked off to end the inning before he could unleash any more fury on the Wichita State defense.

The Shockers drove in three runs off McAuliff in the top of the fifth, scoring two on a Logan Sorensen home run. However, the Sooners answered back in the bottom of the frame when Sheldon scored on a fielding error by the Wichita State left fielder.

Oklahoma added two insurance runs during their last at-bats in the eighth when Mottern scored on a fielder's choice single by sophomore pinch hitter Scott Rooker (0-for-1). Unfortunately for the Shockers, a throwing error by the shortstop allowed senior right fielder Andrew McGuire (2-for-3) to score his first run of the night.

The Sooners continued swinging their bats well Tuesday night. The Oklahoma squad has had 10 or more hits for the sixth consecutive game. Mottern highlighted all slugging tonight, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and scoring one run. Mottern leads the Sooners' hitting with runners on base; he currently has a .455 batting average in that situation.

The Sooners host the University of Texas-Pan American Broncs this weekend at L. Dale Mitchell Park for their final home series of the season. However, due to overscheduling, either the Friday or Sunday game of the series will be cancelled. The Oklahoma staff will meet Wednesday morning to make that determination. If there is a game Friday, it will begin at 7 p.m. Otherwise, first pitch for Saturday's game will be at 2 p.m. Saturday's game will celebrate the soldiers in the armed forces with Military Appreciation Day.

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