Cowboy Baseball Wins Series Opener in Dramatic Fashion

Friday, February 26

Stillwater, OK

4:00 P.M.

Oklahoma State University

4-0

Illinois State

2-1

Illinois State

Oklahoma State

February 26, 2021 | Cowboy Baseball

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STILLWATER – Oklahoma State celebrated the first walk-off win at O'Brate Stadium Friday night as the 17^th-ranked Cowboys defeated Illinois State, 3-2, in the series opener.

Justin Campbell was the hero as his pinch hit single in the bottom of the ninth inning plated Dom Johnson from first base to lift the Pokes to 4-0 on the season.

Brett Standlee was the winner on the mound to earn his first victory of the season as he recorded all three outs via strikeout in his inning of work.

The game was a pitcher's duel throughout as the Redbirds outhit the home team, 9-5, but left 12 runners on base in falling to 2-1 on the season.

Illinois State struck first in the contest when Jake McCaw homered to lead off the third inning.

But the Cowboys tied the score in the fourth. Following Nolan McLean's one-out double into the left-center field gap, Alix Garcia stepped to the plate and delivered an RBI single into short right field to make the score 1-1.

The game went to the seventh still tied, but the Redbirds loaded the bases with two outs as OSU reliever Trevor Martin walked three-straight batters. However, the freshman got out of the jam by getting Joe Butler to fly out.

In the bottom of the frame, the Cowboys took their first lead. With two on and two out, pinch hitter Jake Thompson drew a walk to load the bases. Up next, Matt Golda also walked to bring home a run and put OSU up, 2-1.

The Pokes took the one-run lead into the ninth and brought Standlee out of the bullpen, but he was promptly greeted with a double off the wall by Gunner Peterson. Two batters later, Hayden Jones smacked a single through the right side to tie the score once again.

In the bottom of the inning, Johnson drew a one-out walk to bring Campbell out of the dugout for the first time on the night. After falling behind 0-2, he worked a 2-2 count, then ripped a single to center field. Johnson was running with the pitch and raced home for the winning run.

The two teams return to action Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.