ORLANDO, Fla. – Oklahoma State fell to UCF by a 6-1 score Saturday night at John Euliano Park.
With the loss, the Cowboys dropped to 12-6 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play, while UCF improved to 11-7 and 2-0 in the league.
OSU managed just two hits in the contest, getting a pair of doubles in the first inning, as UCF starter Matt Sauser improved to 2-0 by working 6 1/3 innings and striking out four. The Cowboys’ run against him was the only run he has allowed this season in 25 innings.
Mario Pesca struck out five over 6 2/3 innings but took the loss to fall to 1-2. The senior right-hander allowed five runs on 10 hits.
OSU jumped on top in its first at bat as Aidan Meola delivered a two-out, RBI double down the left field line to plate Brock Thompson, who also doubled, to put the Pokes up 1-0.
The home team tied things up in the second. After loading the bases with two outs on a pair of hits and a walk, the Knights scored the tying run on a wild pitch.
In the fourth, UCF took the lead. Following a leadoff double and a groundout to put a runner on third, DeAmez Ross made the score 2-1 with a sacrifice fly to center field.
The Knights’ lead grew in the fifth as they rallied for three runs on three hits. The first run came on a bases loaded hit by pitch before an RBI on a fielder’s choice made the score 4-1. An RBI single by Jordan Lodise extended the lead to four.
UCF added its final run in the eighth on RBI single by Zak Skinner.
The two teams conclude the series Sunday at 10 a.m. (CDT).
