Strikeouts Doom Oklahoma State In Season Opener

It was a typical early-season baseball game in Nashville. Oklahoma State couldn’t overcome strikeout problems and couldn’t cash in with runners on base, as a result losing 3-0 in the season opener against No 2. Vanderbilt.

It was an encouraging start for the Cowboys, with preseason All-American Justin Campbell striking out 5 batters in the first 2 innings. Then in the 3rd, OSU DH David Mendham had bases loaded with 2 outs, but the lefty transfer was rung up on a breaking ball that looked questionably high and outside to end the inning.

“The game pivoted and hinged on that 3-2 curveball to Mendham that was called a strike,” coach Josh Holliday said.

Shortly after, Vandy scored 2 in the bottom half of the 3rd and added a solo shot in the 4th. That ended Campbell’s day on the mound, and no runs were scored for the final 4 1/2 innings. Ultimately, the main stat that sticks out in the OSU box score is the strikeout number: 18.

As bad as that seems, it isn’t overly concerning just yet. Early-season games often bring offensive struggles. You can thank a number of factors for that, including weather, offensive chemistry and rust.

“It was a tough game, a cold night and wasn’t one of those nights where runs were easy to come by,” Holliday said. “One play here or there could have changed the outcome of that game. If we could have gotten one thing to go our way, it could have changed the complexion. But it didn’t.”

Despite the offensive struggles, Holliday was encouraged by the pitching performances from Campbell, Dillon Marsh and Bayden Root. Same goes for the defense, highlighted by this Jake Thompson web gem in the 7th.

“We just have to bounce back. It’s one game.”

The Cowboys will get an opportunity to do just that tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. in game two of the three game opening series with Vanderbilt. Projected starters are RHP Victor Mederos (OSU) vs. RHP Nick Maldonado (Vandy).