Big 12 will be Represented in the 2019 College World Series
Oklahoma State is back into the Super Regionals for the first time since 2016.
With their 3-1 victory over Connecticut at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City Monday night, the Big 12 Conference is guaranteed to send one team to the College World Series. It will be the sixth consecutive season the conference has representation in Omaha.
Down 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth, Alix Garcia homered to left field on the second pitch of the inning. Oklahoma State would break the tie in the sixth inning when Carson McCusker sent a double to left field. Trevor Boone and Bryce Carter scored what would be the winning runs. These runs came after a walk and a fielding error. It was the only error of the game, and proved to cost Connecticut their season.
Starting pitcher Joe Lienhard tossed six innings. He struck out four while allowing one earned run on one walk and four hits. The Huskies used four different pitchers. Essentially, there may have been too many cooks in the kitchen for this one. Oklahoma State used the catbird’s seat to their advantage, only needing to win three games in four days. Having lost to Nebraska on day one of the regional, the Huskies were forced to play five games in four days. Just to get to the fourth day, Connecticut had to win three consecutive games, including two Sunday.
With the victory, Oklahoma State has a chance to return to Omaha for the first time since 2016. It will be Big 12 Regular Season Champion vs. Big 12 Tournament Champion. Texas Tech will host Oklahoma State in Lubbock. The Red Raiders swept Oklahoma State in Lubbock during the regular season, outscoring the Cowboys 27-8 in the series. First pitch of Game One is set for 2 p.m. Central Time.
