In Norman, the Oklahoma Sooners are making quite the statement early in the season. After a jaw-dropping 22-run opener against Coppin State, they upped the ante with a 24-run shutout on Saturday at Kimrey Family Stadium. This explosive performance not only secured the series but showcased the Sooners' offensive prowess.
Oklahoma, now 6-0, wasted no time continuing their dominance. They drew an eye-popping 16 walks, building on the 14 from the previous game. Despite the massive scoreline, the action started modestly with Camden Johnson manufacturing a run in the first inning, giving OU a 1-0 lead.
Drew Dickerson, the designated hitter, kept the momentum going with his second homer in as many days, extending the lead to 2-0 in the second inning. Johnson and Brendan Brock added to the tally with productive outs, bringing the score to 4-0.
The third inning was where the Sooners really began to pull away, adding five more runs. A balk brought one run home, followed by two-run hits from both Johnson and Jaxon Willits.
But the fourth inning was the highlight, with Oklahoma exploding for 10 runs. Myles Davis delivered a pinch-hit grand slam, and later added a two-run double, racking up six RBIs in just two at-bats.
On the mound, LJ Mercurius, a right-hander transfer from UNLV, shined once again. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out seven. Trent Collier and Nate Smithburg, both left-handers, wrapped things up with scoreless innings in the sixth and seventh.
This victory marks the first time since 1998 that Oklahoma has scored 10 or more runs in each of their first six games. Looking to keep their perfect record intact, the Sooners will turn to freshman left-hander Cord Rager for the series finale on Sunday, with the first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m.
CT. The Sooners are certainly setting the bar high early in the season, and fans have every reason to be excited.