Oklahoma Holds Off Lions To Grab Win

Oklahoma took the lead early Wednesday, but had to hold off a late push from Arkansas-Pine Bluff to come away with a 5-4 win, extending their win streak to five games.

The Sooners started the scoring early, capitalizing on a leadoff single and a steal from Eric Ross to put a runner in scoring position before the Lions could record an out. The senior advanced to third on a ground out in the next at-bat and scored thanks to a single to center field by Hunter Lockwood to take a 1-0 lead.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff tied the game in the top of the fourth on an RBI single by Tyler Hill, but the Sooners responded with three runs in the bottom half of the inning.

With two outs on the board and the bases loaded, Jack Mayfield scored on a wild pitch, with the other runners advancing. In the same at-bat, Max White singled to right field allowing Cody Reine and Garrett Carey to score and take a 4-1 lead.

Evan Mistich tagged on a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth to add needed breathing room heading into the closing innings.

The Lions' comeback started in the top of the seventh with James Boulware scoring on a fielder's choice to cut the lead to three runs. A pair of RBI singles in the top of the eighth cut the lead to just a single run, but Jordan John came in four of the next five batters he faced – including a three-up, three-down ninth – to end the game.

Jacob Rhame (1-0) was credited with a win for his outing, giving up one earned run on three hits and striking out three in his five innings of service. Brett Schweiger (0-2) received a loss, giving up three earned runs on one hit in one inning pitched.

The Sooners will now head to Eugene, Oregon for the Nike Showcase weekend event, opening up at 4 p.m. against Connecticut.