What a day it was in Arlington for day two of the Big 12 Conference Baseball Tournament. We saw a total of four Big 12 games on Wednesday and it was non-stop, jam-packed action from morning until the late-night hours.
As we continue to make our way through the tourney, I have a few thoughts from the second full day of Big 12 baseball action. But first, here are the final scores from Wednesday’s games.
#6 Kansas State: 8, #4 West Virginia: 4
#1 Oklahoma: 4, #9 TCU: 0
#5 Cincinati: 8, #3 Texas: 7
#2 Oklahoma State: 7, #10 Texas Tech: 2
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Owen Boerema Kept Kansas State’s Postseason Hopes Alive
After giving up three runs in the first inning, I didn’t think Kansas State pitcher Owen Boerema would last very long on the mound. Instead, he settled in and was lights out every step of the way after that.
Owen pitched a complete game and gave up just one run in his final eight innings of work. He struck out ten batters and allowed just four hits after the first inning.
And while Owen found his rhythm, Kansas State found some offense in the fourth inning by putting up a seven spot. Brady Day and David Bishop came up with some key hits and a few walks helped the Wildcats have a monster inning.
This win was huge for Kansas State because going 0-2 in the Big 12 tournament would have been a big blow to their postseason chances. I still believe this team is on the bubble and another win may secure their spot in the field of 64.
Have a Day Braden Davis
Normally I praise Oklahoma’s offense because they have had the best team batting average in the conference all season long. And while the bats were able to score a few runs against TCU’s ace Payton Tolle, the big story was happening on the mound.
This game was all about Braden Davis. He pitched a complete game and completely shut out TCU’s offense. In fact, Braden only allowed four hits on the day and managed to strike out nine batters.
Oklahoma has been the most consistent team in the Big 12 this year and when they have the pitching to back up that great offense, that’s what makes them so dangerous and a true national title contender.
Cincinnati Survives
If you were looking for a heavyweight fight, then you found it. After Cincinnati took an early 2-0 lead, Texas woke up and tied the game with a Max Belyeu two-run blast in the fourth inning.
Later in the inning, Will Gasparino’s RBI-double helped Texas take the lead.
And Cincinnati got the lead back just two innings later thanks to Landyn Vidourek.
The Bearcats were finally able to break the game open in the top of the eighth inning as they scored four runs to take a commanding 8-3 lead.
But Texas wouldn’t go away quietly. The Longhorns scored four runs on their own in the bottom of the eighth and came within a run after Peyton Powell’s RBI single.
Luckily for Cincinnati, they were able to close the game out. This was crucial for Jordan Bichel’s team because their RPI coming in (57) wasn’t doing them any favors. Now they live to fight another team and have a chance to get one of those coveted spots in the field of 64.
Carson Benge Can Do It All
If you google the words baseball player on your internet browser, don’t be surprised to see a picture of Carson Benge pop up. The man did everything on Wednesday night besides selling beer and popcorn which he might have done too if we are being honest because he’s that darn good.
Carson pitched a little over six innings and gave up just one earned run while striking out ten batters. Not only did he get the job done on the mound but at the plate as well where he got three hits in five at bats. It’s not often you see two-way players as good as Carson Benge.
While Carson was doing his thing on the mound, Oklahoma State’s offense was putting in some work as well. Zach Ehrhard hit a two-run bomb in the first inning and the Cowboys never looked back after that.
It also helped that Texas Tech walked 13 batters in this one giving Oklahoma State a few free runs.
Thursday’s Schedule
#6 Kansas State vs #9 TCU (9:00 AM CT) (Elimination Game)
#1 Oklahoma vs Kansas (12:30 PM CT)
#5 Cincinnati vs #10 Texas Tech (4:00 PM CT) (Elimination Game)
#2 Oklahoma State vs #8 UCF (7:30 PM CT)
