Oklahoma State Pitching Comes Up Aces in 2-1 Win over Austin Peay
(Pokes Report publisher Robert Allen contributed to this story written by Oklahoma State athletic media relations.)
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State secured its second consecutive weekend series win with a 2-1 victory over Austin Peay Saturday at O'Brate Stadium. It was a dramatic difference from the 19-2 run-rule seven inning win in the Friday opener. With the win, the 12th-ranked Cowboys improved to 7-3 on the season, while APSU fell to 2-8.
Isaac Stebens picked up his first-career win as the right-hander was one of six Pokes to take the mound. He worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings and struck out five while allowing two hits. His innings were very clean.
Nolan McLean, who entered the weekend as the NCAA leader in saves, picked up his fifth of the season by holding the Governors off the in the ninth. He fought off APU after an error gave them runners at second and third with no outs. McLean closed it with a strike out after a big defensive play by second baseman Roc Riggio making up for his error that looked to set the Governors up.
OSU plated the only runs it needed in the first inning. After back-to-back singles with two outs by David Mendham and Nolan McLean, a throwing error on a check-swing dribbler off the bat of Nolan Schubart allowed Mendham to score.
Following a walk to load the bases, another free pass, this one to Colin Brueggemann, plated another run to put the Pokes up 2-0.
Former Oklahoma State staffer and first-year Governors head coach Roland Fanning was ejected by home plate umpire A.J. Wendel in the second inning for arguing balls and strikes.
The Cowboys would keep the visitors off the scoreboard until the ninth.
Starter Carson Benge worked two shutout innings and struck out two in his first-career appearance, and Brian Hendry followed him with three scoreless frames.
In the ninth, a leadoff single and a throwing error put Governors on second and third with no outs. After a fly out, a ground ball brought home a run, but McLean struck out Garrett Martin to end the game.
Sunday's series finale is scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch with the Cowboys going for a sweep.