ROUND ROCK, Texas — What an exciting start to the Round Rock Classic! The No. 20/25 Oklahoma Sooners achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Dell Diamond, showcasing incredible pitching and sharp defense. Junior right-hander Kyson Witherspoon and freshman second baseman Kyle Branch were the standout players, helping Oklahoma secure their fourth consecutive win to start the season confidently.
Witherspoon delivered a dominant performance, pitching seven innings with just three hits and one earned run, notching an impressive 12 strikeouts. “He was electric,” said head coach Skip Johnson post game. His prowess caught the attention of MLB scouts, bolstering his draft opportunities.
The game was tightly contested, with Oklahoma leading 2-1 entering the seventh inning. A crucial moment came in the eighth when a balk by Minnesota's reliever allowed shortstop Jaxon Willits to score. Although Minnesota fought back to make it 3-2, it was Branch’s stunning defensive play that preserved the lead, snagging a sharp grounder and making a strong throw to first.
Oklahoma's relievers held strong in the ninth, clinching the victory and highlighting their ability to thrive in close games. With a perfect 4-0 start, the Sooners look forward to upcoming challenges against No. 7 Oregon State and No. 2 Virginia, offering a glimpse of their potential in the SEC season ahead. The spotlight is on Witherspoon and Branch as they lead Oklahoma into an exciting new chapter!
Key Stats:
Next Game: Oklahoma vs. No. 7 Oregon State, February 22, 2025
Check out a full game recap and more from Sooner Spotlight!
Full episode:
Witherspoon delivered a dominant performance, pitching seven innings with just three hits and one earned run, notching an impressive 12 strikeouts. “He was electric,” said head coach Skip Johnson post game. His prowess caught the attention of MLB scouts, bolstering his draft opportunities.
The game was tightly contested, with Oklahoma leading 2-1 entering the seventh inning. A crucial moment came in the eighth when a balk by Minnesota's reliever allowed shortstop Jaxon Willits to score. Although Minnesota fought back to make it 3-2, it was Branch’s stunning defensive play that preserved the lead, snagging a sharp grounder and making a strong throw to first.
Oklahoma's relievers held strong in the ninth, clinching the victory and highlighting their ability to thrive in close games. With a perfect 4-0 start, the Sooners look forward to upcoming challenges against No. 7 Oregon State and No. 2 Virginia, offering a glimpse of their potential in the SEC season ahead. The spotlight is on Witherspoon and Branch as they lead Oklahoma into an exciting new chapter!
Key Stats:
- Kyson Witherspoon: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 12 K, 0 BB
- Kyle Branch: Game-saving defensive play in the 8th
- Oklahoma Offense: J. Walk (1-4, 2B, R), S. Christiansen (1-2, 2 BB, RBI)
- Location: Dell Diamond, Round Rock, Texas
Next Game: Oklahoma vs. No. 7 Oregon State, February 22, 2025
Check out a full game recap and more from Sooner Spotlight!
Full episode:
