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Also, be sure to check out the Orangebloods gear website - OB MERCH
In case you missed last night's recap and win, here is the link - Fri Night Recap
FINAL
Texas - 6
Oklahoma State - 3
Winning Pitcher: Andre Duplantier (1-0)
Losing Pitcher: Gabe Davis (1-3)
RECAP
Game Won. Series Won!
The Horns got to the starter in the Bottom of the 1st, taking advantage of a tight strike zone and some shaky command to play two runs as Max Belyeu hit a double down the RF line, driving in Flores and Thomas.
Things were all quiet until the Top 5th as once again a lead off walk came back to haunt the Horns. Whitehead led of the inning with back to back walks before getting a fly out, prompting Pierce to bring in LHP David Shaw. Unfortunately, Shaw gave up a single to right center and then hit the next batter with bases loaded to get the Pokes on the board, with the Horns leading 2-1.
Going into the 7th inning, the Pokes, who had had multiple opportunities to score were finally able to push one across and tie the game up as Nolan Schubart hit a double off the very top of the RF wall, missing a two-run home run by mere inches.
In the Bottom 7th, the Horns came to the plate looking for anything they could after having last gotten a hit in the Bottom 2nd and subsequently being retired 13 straight batters in a row. Thankfully Porter Brown, who has looked much better this series so far drew a lead off walk. Kimble Schuessler then followed that up with a single to RF, putting runners on the corners with no outs. Rylan Galvan then hit into a double play, but it allowed Porter Brown to score from 3B, giving the Horns the 3-2 lead and also finally chase Oklahoma State starter Brian Holiday from the game after 130 pitches.
In the Top 8th, the Pokes struck back to tie the game up as Brueggemann led off with a double to LF. A balk was then called on Duplantier, moving the runner over to 3B with no outs. Dre got a pop up on the first pitch the next batter saw, but a perfectly placed slow roller to Flores at SS allowed the runner from 3B to score to tie the game up at 3-3.
In the Bottom of the 8th with the game tied 3-3, after Oklahoma State had scored in the top half of the frame, the Horns once again got an answer from their power man. Lead off man Jared Thomas grounded out, followed by a strike out swinging by Jalin Flores, but Peyton Powell hit a single through the shift into RF to give the Horns life. On a 1-2 count, reliever Gabe Davis tried to over power Max Belyeu with a fastball and paid the price as Max turned on it and planted it 3/4 up the RF score board. 105 off the bat and 403 feet, but that ball was absolutely crushed for a two run HR!
In the Top 9th, Duplantier made short work of the Pokes as the first two batters he faced, he induced pop ups to LF on the first pitch they saw. He then slammed the door by inducing a 3-2 ground out to 2B.
BIG MOMENT
In the Bottom of the 8th with the game tied 3-3, after Oklahoma State had scored in the top half of the frame, the Horns once again got an answer from their power man. Lead off man Jared Thomas grounded out, followed by a strike out swinging by Jalin Flores, but Peyton Powell hit a single through the shift into RF to give the Horns life. On a 1-2 count, reliever Gabe Davis tried to over power Max Belyeu with a fastball and paid the price as Max turned on it and planted it 3/4 up the RF score board. 105 off the bat and 403 feet, but that ball was absolutely crushed for a two run HR!
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
On a day when the top three hitters in the lineup went a combined 1-10, Max Belyeu put in a yeoman's effort going 2-4 with 1 run scored and 4 RBI. In Big 12 play, Belyeu is simply en fuego and once again leads the Big 12 in home runs and is near the top of several other offensive categories.
TAKEAWAYS
Cannot state enough how vital to the psyche it is to be able to give up a run or more in the top half of the frame and then respond in the bottom half. That was something that Augie always preached and over the past two games, the Horns have done exactly that, only failing to respond once.
Today's win was not pretty, but the Horns are feeling it right now and have some real momentum on their side. They are a dangerous squad that has found a way to win, even in tough situations the past two games. Don't look now, but the Horns have won 7 of 8 series this season in the Big 12. While the Big 12 is a bit down from where it typically is, that isn't bad at all!
With OU and Texas winning, while West Virginia and Oklahoma State lost today, Oklahoma remains in 1st place in the Big 12 by 2 games with the Horns now holding sole possession of 2nd place.
NEXT UP
Horns are back in action tomorrow at 1pm as they will take on Oklahoma State in the Sunday series finale, and for the first time this season they will be looking to sweep a Big 12 conference series.
