Norman, OK – The Oklahoma Sooners edged out the Mississippi State Bulldogs 13-11 on Saturday at L. Dale Mitchell Park, sparked by Dawson Willis’ clutch two-run homer in the eighth inning. After a quiet offensive showing in Friday’s series opener, the Sooners bounced back with a vengeance, securing a critical win to even the series and keep their postseason aspirations in play.
The game erupted early, with Oklahoma plating five runs in the first inning, fueled by a string of Bulldog errors and timely hits from Easton Carmichael and Jaxon Willits. Mississippi State answered with a five-run third, highlighted by Ace Reese and Hunter Hines each scoring two-run homers, narrowing the gap to 7-5. The Sooners kept control in the bottom of the third with Jaxon Willits' two-run blast, but the Bulldogs clawed back, tying it at 11 in the seventh. Willis’ late heroics in the eighth proved the difference, as closer, Dylan Crooks, held firm to seal the victory.
Key contributors shone brightly: Willis finished 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBIs, snapping a recent slump, while Trey Gambill, back from injury, went 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Oklahoma was outhit by Mississippi State 17-14, but they capitalized on five Bulldog errors. Starting pitchers Cade Crossland (3 IP, 8 R) and Michael Catalano (1.1 IP, 2 R) struggled, but OU reliever Dylan Crooks (1.1 IP, 0 R, 2 K) closed the door and earned the win.
The electric crowd, buzzing louder than Friday’s turnout, fueled the Sooners’ momentum in a game that featured seven home runs and constant lead changes. Next up, Oklahoma aims to take the series finale against Mississippi State on Sunday, March 23, while the Bulldogs look to steal a road set before heading home.
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