Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboys Cruise To Series-Clinching Victory
March 12, 2016 | Cowboy Baseball
PHOTO GALLERY
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State's offense had its best performance of the season, and the Cowboy pitchers turned in a shutout performance as the 22nd-ranked Pokes clinched their series against Abilene Christian with a 16-0 win Saturday at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium.
The Cowboys racked up a season-high 17 hits, with their 16 runs also marking a season best, and the shutout was their second of the season as they ran their win streak to three and improved to 9-6 on the season.
"We were due for a day to have a number of guys swing it well up-and-down the lineup," said OSU head coach Josh Holliday. "We hit the ball hard numerous times and were able to put up runs in just about every single inning.
"It was a real positive day for us as a team. Any time you pitch it and hit it like that, you've got a good chance to win."
Dustin Williams continued his hot hitting to lead the OSU attack as he was 3-for-5 and smashed two home runs. The junior first baseman has homered in three-straight games and leads the Cowboys with six round trippers and 19 RBIs.
Two other Cowboys — Collin Theroux and Jon Littell — also had 3-for-5 efforts, and each collected a career-high four RBIs. The duo was part of a bottom of the order (6-7-8-9 hitters) that combined for nine hits and 10 RBIs.
"Those guys down there did some real damage," Holliday said. "That's kind of the type of offense that we envisioned having — quality guys up and down the lineup. That's a good thing to see and definitely something that could make us a much more well-rounded, difficult team to handle."
Jensen Elliott was the winner on the mound, working five innings and allowing just two hits while striking out six to improve to 2-0. Three Cowboy relievers — Michael Mertz, Matt Wilson and Tyler Buffett — combined for the final four shutout innings.
Williams got things started for the Pokes when he led off the second inning with a homer to center field. Later in the inning, Theroux pushed the OSU lead to 2-0 with a two-out RBI single.
Theroux's hit was the first of what would be a trend for the Cowboys as they collected 11 two-out RBIs in the contest.
The second inning marked the first of six consecutive frames in which OSU scored. In the third, Corey Hassel blasted his first home run of the season, and two batters later, Williams delivered his second of the day. Williams' six homers already matches his career season high of a year ago, when he tied for the team lead.
"Dustin is a strong guy and when he gets a good pitch to hit and puts the barrel on it, it's got a chance to go," Holliday said. "It doesn't surprise us because we know the type of strength he possesses. I think Dustin could be just growing into the player that we think and that he wants to become."
The two teams are scheduled to conclude the series Sunday at 5 p.m.
Players Mentioned
RHP
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RHP
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OF/RHP
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OF
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RHP
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C
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1B
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LHP
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Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
