Baylor Bears Edge Out Oklahoma State in Series Opener with Clutch Performances
In a thrilling series opener at O'Brate Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Baylor baseball emerged victorious over Oklahoma State, securing a 6-4 win. The Bears' triumph was anchored by fifth-year senior pitcher Caleb Bunch, who delivered a standout performance as the closer, striking out six over the final three innings to match his career high.
Baylor (12-9, 2-2) surged ahead with a decisive three-run seventh inning, capitalizing on Oklahoma State's (14-8, 0-4) miscues. Freshman outfielder Brady Janusek set the tone early with his fifth home run of the season, while redshirt junior pitcher Lucas Davenport provided stability with four solid innings in his longest outing since recovering from injury. Fifth-year senior outfielder Ty Johnson contributed with two hits and a crucial RBI single in the fourth.
Game Breakdown
The Bears struck first as Janusek launched a solo homer in the opening inning. They threatened again in the second, loading the bases with two outs, but couldn't capitalize further. Davenport navigated some early trouble but was tagged for a two-run homer in the third, giving OSU a 2-1 lead.
Johnson came through in the fourth, delivering an RBI single with two strikes and two outs to level the score at 2-2. Davenport's night ended after four innings, having allowed two runs and fanning five batters.
The Cowboys regained the lead with a two-run double in the fifth, but Baylor clawed back in the sixth. Sophomore utility player Pearson Riebock's sacrifice fly brought home freshman pinch runner Bo Caraway, narrowing the gap to 4-3.
Baylor took advantage of OSU's errors in the seventh. A throwing error, hit by pitch, and consecutive walks tied the game. A double play ball pushed the Bears ahead 5-4, and redshirt freshman outfielder Hunter Snow added insurance with a pinch-hit RBI double.
Bunch entered in the seventh with two on and no outs, showcasing his resilience by striking out two with the bases loaded. He continued to shine in the eighth, again leaving OSU runners stranded. In the ninth, Bunch sealed the win by inducing a groundout on his 63rd pitch.
Key Highlights
- Baylor improved to 46-60 all-time against Oklahoma State and 2-6 under head coach Mitch Thompson.
- The Bears recorded a season-high 15 strikeouts, marking their seventh double-digit strikeout game.
- Baylor's knack for scoring first paid off as they improved to 10-2 when doing so.
- The team notched their fifth win despite being out-hit by the opponent.
- Baylor's aggressive base running has resulted in 31 stolen bases through 21 games, their highest since 2015.
Quotables
Head Coach Mitch Thompson praised the team's perseverance, highlighting Bunch's exceptional closing performance and Janusek's pivotal home run. "It's a great team win," Thompson remarked, emphasizing the importance of small plays that contributed to the victory.
Bunch relished his role, stating, "I love being in that spot, especially with a lead. Those guys behind me make it so easy."
Ty Johnson, reflecting on his contributions, noted, "Not my best 'swing' day, but putting the ball in play really helped out the team."
Up Next
Baylor and Oklahoma State face off again on Saturday, March 21, with the first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. at O'Brate Stadium. Keep up with Baylor baseball on their official social media channels: @BaylorBaseball.