NORMAN, Okla. – Oklahoma erased a 5-2 deficit on the strength of a seven-run sixth inning, defeating Wichita State 9-5 on Tuesday night at L. Dale Mitchell Park.

The deciding inning featured just four Oklahoma singles, but also four walks, two wild pitches, four stolen bases and two errors. Diego Muniz had a two-run single that cut the Wichita State lead to 5-4, Jimmy Crooks tied the game with an RBI single, and Cade Horton plated the go-ahead run with an RBI groundout. A wild pitch, double steal, and infield single added three more runs in the inning, giving Oklahoma (22-13) a 9-5 advantage.

Wichita State (13-24) got off to a strong start, as Brock Rodden slammed a solo home run in the top of the first and Couper Cornblum knocked in another run with an RBI double in the second for a 2-0 advantage. After the Sooners tied things up with a pair of runs in the fourth, the Shockers reclaimed the lead with a three-run top of the sixth. Ross Cadena slapped a run-scoring single to score Xavier Casserilla, who led off the inning with a double. Andrew Stewart followed with a bunt down the third base line that was thrown away, allowing Garrett Kocis to score for a 4-2 lead. Jack Sigrist capped the scoring in the inning with a sacrifice fly to right. 

Wichita State starter Caden Favors pitched well in his first career start, allowing two runs, one earned, over a career-high-tying 3.2 innings. He struck out two and walked one in a no-decision. LJ McDonough (3-2) took the loss for the Shockers, giving up four runs in 1.1 innings. Grayson Jones and Connor Holden put together strong outings in relief, combining for 2.2 scoreless frames with three strikeouts to keep the game within reach.

The Shockers got multiple runners aboard in each of the last three innings, but could not score against the Oklahoma bullpen. Down to their final strike in the ninth, WSU got a pair of two-out walks to bring the tying run into the on-deck circle, but Sooners closer Trevin Michael retired Garrett Kocis on a grounder to first to lock down his sixth save.

Jaret Godman (1-0) snagged the win for Oklahoma by recording the final out in the top of the sixth.

Cadena led the Shockers with three hits, also reaching base on a walk. Sawyre Thornhill extended his on-base streak to 36 straight games with a walk and a double.

The Shockers return to Eck Stadium on Friday for a three-game series against UCF. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.