Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Prevail In 11-Inning Thriller
April 19, 2008 | Cowboy Baseball
AUSTIN, Texas — Matt Hague got the game-winning RBI and the win on the mound Friday night as Oklahoma State won its series opener against 15th-ranked Texas, 2-1, in 11 innings at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
In just his second pitching appearance of the season, Hague worked the final three innings in relief of starter Andrew Oliver to help the 14th-ranked Cowboys improve to 9-7 in the Big 12 Conference and 25-11 overall.
With the loss,
In the top of the 11th, OSU's Donnie Webb walked on four pitches and promptly took second on a wild pitch by Cole Green. Jordy Mercer then bunted Webb to third, and Hague grounded sharply to UT second baseman Michael Torres. Torres failed to field the ball cleanly, and Webb scored to put the Cowboys up 2-1. Torres was charged with an error, but Hague was credited with an RBI on the play.
Hague retired the Longhorns in order in the bottom of the 11th, striking out Kawika Emsley-Pai looking to end the game. The senior right hander, who had pitched only 2/3 of an inning on the season coming into the game, did not allow a run and gave up just three hits to improve to 1-0.
Oliver had another strong outing on the hill and did not allow a hit through the first five innings before Brandon Belt's leadoff single in the sixth ended the no-hit bid. The sophomore southpaw worked eight innings, allowing one run on just three hits. He struck out seven and walked four.
UT starter Chance Ruffin also tossed a gem. The right hander lasted 10 innings, giving up just one run while striking out seven. He allowed six hits and did not walk a batter.
The Cowboys scored the game's first run in the seventh. Dean Green led off the frame with a single, and Luis Flores followed with a single of his own. Green advanced to third on the play, while
After Neil Medchill struck out, Rebel Ridling plated pinch runner Rafael Thomas from third with an RBI groundout to give the Cowboys a 1-0 advantage.
The Cowboys' lead did not last long. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Preston Clark hit a solo home run over the wall in left field to tie the game at 1-1.
The blast was the fourth homer of the season for
Oliver pitched out of a jam in the eighth to keep the game tied. After a single and a walk put Longhorns on first and second with one out, he got Travis Tucker to line into a double play to end the inning. The double play was one of three in the game by the Cowboys.
The Cowboys also escaped trouble in the ninth. After a pair of singles put UT runners on first and third with one out, Hague struck out pinch hitter Emsley-Pai. An intentional walk to Kyle Russell loaded the bases before Hague got out of the inning by getting Kyle Lusson to ground out to second base.
The two teams return to action Saturday at 1 p.m.
