Sooners storm back in Las Vegas for 7-6 victory

LAS VEGAS—Oklahoma scored six unanswered runs Thursday afternoon to claim a 7-6 victory over BYU baseball in a series relocated to Cashman Field.

The Sooners (7-4) were scheduled to host BYU (1-8) in Norman, Okla., but the four-game series was moved to Las Vegas a couple days ago due to inclement weather.

“We finally got some clutch two-out RBI, but we couldn't overcome our mistakes to hold the lead,” BYU coach Mike Littlewood said.“Kolton (Mahoney) pitched great through four innings, but threw far too many pitches in his 5 1/3 innings of work.”

Mahoney (0-1) struck out nine Sooners and had a 6-1 lead going into the bottom of the fifth frame.

The Cougars took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, then tacked on four runs in the fifth thanks in part to a two-run double by Dillon Robinson with two outs.  Oklahoma also benefited from a two-run, two-out double by Taylor Alspaugh, closing the gap to 6-5 in the sixth before OU the game.  Alspaugh also got a triple and BYU freshman Colton Shaver extended his hitting streak to five games with a one-run double.

“With our pitching staff there is no way we should lose a game when we have a five-run lead in the fifth inning,” Littlewood said.  “Winning baseball is about quality pitching, playing defense and getting timely hitting and we are having a tough time doing all three in the same game.”

Sophomore Keaton Cenatiempo (0-1) was tagged with the loss in relief.

“We all realize we are playing an extremely tough schedule, but at the same time we have had multiple chances to win games and can't close the deal,” Littlewood said.  “When this team develops some mental toughness and realizes its potential we could be very good.”

The two teams meet again in a Friday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. PST.