Friday Big 12 Baseball Six-Pack: A Night of Walk-Offs
Is there anything better than cold beer and baseball? It’s a combination that is hard to beat during the season. No matter what kind of beer you drink (or how many), let’s take a look at some of the best action on the Big 12 baseball diamond from Friday with a nice six pack.
Best Game
Baylor at #15 Oklahoma State
I didn’t think Baylor had much of a chance in this game and I was definitely proven wrong on Friday night. The Bears rocked Oklahoma State pitcher Brian Hendry early as they scored seven runs in the first three innings. But Oklahoma State would quickly wake up offensively as David Mendham got the scoring started for the Cowboys with his big three-run blast to right field in the third inning. Then in the fourth, Oklahoma State went off as they put a whopping six runs on the board which was highlighted by Nolan McLean’s two-run bomb. When the fourth inning was over, the Cowboys were on top 9-7.
However, Baylor would tie the game up in the sixth inning thanks to Kolby Branch and Caleb Bergman. After that sixth inning, both teams went scoreless as the game went into extras. Then in the bottom of the eleventh inning, Marcus Brown called game as he hit a walk-off two run shot to win it for the Pokes. It was a great comeback and an even better game. Believe it or not, it wasn’t the only walk-off win of the day as JJ Wetherolt had a game winning hit for West Virginia. I ended up picking this one because it ended with a home run.
Best Win
Texas over #14 Texas Tech
Texas has their work cut out for them this weekend but they took a big step in the right direction on Friday in Austin. This game was a pitching battle early on between Lucas Gordon and Brendan Girton before Texas got on the board first when Mitchell Daily hit a sac-fly in the fourth inning. The Red Raiders responded with a run in the next inning before Gavin Kash hit a solo blast to give his team a 2-1 lead in the sixth. That lead wouldn’t last long though because Porter Brown hit a two-run homer in the same inning that put Texas back on top 3-2. The Longhorns were able to add a few more runs in the eighth inning to put the game to bed and take game one of the series. Texas now has a chance to take the series on Saturday after their big win on Friday.
Worst Loss
Oklahoma
The Sooners hit the road this weekend to make the trip to Manhattan, Kansas. Going into the weekend, Oklahoma was still riding high after their big series win against TCU while Kansas State just came off an embarrassing loss to Baylor last weekend. These two teams were going in opposite directions in my eyes and I guess I was wrong because Kansas State took it to Oklahoma. The Sooners had zero offense in the game and Kansas State crushed it at the plate as Cash Rugely, Cole Johnson, and Brady Day came up big. It certainly was my biggest surprise of Friday.
Friday MVP
Oklahoma State SS Marcus Brown
You will be hearing his name more in the article but he deserves it. Marcus hit a walk-off home run to win the game for Oklahoma State. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Pitcher of the Day
Kansas State LHP Owen Boerema
I know Lucas Gordon and Nolan McLean had some good performances, but Kansas State’s Owen Boerema really caught my eye on Friday night. Owen faced a really good Oklahoma offense that was putting up some solid numbers and he completely shut them down. He pitched six innings and allowed just one run while striking out seven batters.
Best Home Run
Oklahoma State SS Marcus Brown
We all know that this was the home run of the day not just in the Big 12 but the entire country. It deserves another watch.
Full Scoreboard
Texas: 6, #14 Texas Tech: 2
#15 Oklahoma State: 11, Baylor: 9
TCU: 8, Kansas: 6
Kansas State: 7, Oklahoma: 1
#24 West Virginia: 5, Xavier: 4
