In a tough SEC Tournament quarterfinal matchup, the Oklahoma Sooners fell 6-1 to the Vanderbilt Commodores, ending their run in the conference tournament. Defensive miscues and offensive struggles plagued the Sooners, who committed three errors, managed just three hits, and left 10 runners on base in the loss.
Oklahoma’s Cade Crossland took the mound for the Sooners, delivering a mixed performance. Crossland pitched 3.2 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs while striking out three without issuing a walk. His fastball showed early promise, but a combination of errors and timely Vanderbilt hits proved costly. The Sooners’ defense faltered at critical moments, contributing to Vanderbilt’s ability to build a commanding lead.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when Vanderbilt capitalized on Oklahoma’s defensive lapses. A fielding error by Sooners’ first baseman Brayden Horton allowed Jacob Humphrey to reach base, advancing Jonathan Vastine to second. Mike Mancini followed with a perfectly placed bunt to load the bases. Rustan Rigdon’s groundout scored Vastine, and RJ Austin’s double down the left field line drove in two more runs. Riley Nelson capped the inning with a double to score Austin, giving Vanderbilt a 4-0 lead after three innings.
Oklahoma responded in the top of the fourth. Sam Christiansen was hit by a pitch to lead off, and Jaxon Willits drew a full-count walk. A wild pitch advanced both runners, and Jason Walk’s groundout to third base scored Christiansen, putting the Sooners on the board at 4-1. However, Oklahoma’s offense stalled, unable to capitalize further.
Vanderbilt extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth. With the bases loaded, RJ Austin’s single to shortstop scored Vastine, making it 5-1. The Commodores added an insurance run in the seventh inning, sealing the 6-1 final score.
The Sooners’ bats never found a rhythm, managing just three hits and stranding 10 runners. Vanderbilt’s pitching and defense kept Oklahoma’s offense in check, limiting their opportunities to mount a comeback.
Up Next:
With their SEC Tournament run concluded, the Sooners now turn their attention to Selection Monday, where they’ll learn their seeding and destination for the NCAA Regionals. The college baseball selection show will air on ESPN2/ESPNU at 11 P.M. CST on Monday, May 26th. If Oklahoma hopes to make a deep postseason run, they’ll need to shore up their defense and ignite their offense to find the consistency that has eluded them in this loss.
Oklahoma’s Cade Crossland took the mound for the Sooners, delivering a mixed performance. Crossland pitched 3.2 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs while striking out three without issuing a walk. His fastball showed early promise, but a combination of errors and timely Vanderbilt hits proved costly. The Sooners’ defense faltered at critical moments, contributing to Vanderbilt’s ability to build a commanding lead.
The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when Vanderbilt capitalized on Oklahoma’s defensive lapses. A fielding error by Sooners’ first baseman Brayden Horton allowed Jacob Humphrey to reach base, advancing Jonathan Vastine to second. Mike Mancini followed with a perfectly placed bunt to load the bases. Rustan Rigdon’s groundout scored Vastine, and RJ Austin’s double down the left field line drove in two more runs. Riley Nelson capped the inning with a double to score Austin, giving Vanderbilt a 4-0 lead after three innings.
Oklahoma responded in the top of the fourth. Sam Christiansen was hit by a pitch to lead off, and Jaxon Willits drew a full-count walk. A wild pitch advanced both runners, and Jason Walk’s groundout to third base scored Christiansen, putting the Sooners on the board at 4-1. However, Oklahoma’s offense stalled, unable to capitalize further.
Vanderbilt extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth. With the bases loaded, RJ Austin’s single to shortstop scored Vastine, making it 5-1. The Commodores added an insurance run in the seventh inning, sealing the 6-1 final score.
The Sooners’ bats never found a rhythm, managing just three hits and stranding 10 runners. Vanderbilt’s pitching and defense kept Oklahoma’s offense in check, limiting their opportunities to mount a comeback.
Up Next:
With their SEC Tournament run concluded, the Sooners now turn their attention to Selection Monday, where they’ll learn their seeding and destination for the NCAA Regionals. The college baseball selection show will air on ESPN2/ESPNU at 11 P.M. CST on Monday, May 26th. If Oklahoma hopes to make a deep postseason run, they’ll need to shore up their defense and ignite their offense to find the consistency that has eluded them in this loss.
