Sooners Edge Gophers in Round Rock Classic Opener

The Karbach Round Rock Classic commenced its three-day baseball showcase on Friday with a tightly contested matchup that saw the University of Oklahoma edge out the University of Minnesota by a score of 3-2. The Sooners, riding high on a 3-0 start, overcame an early deficit to secure the victory over the Golden Gophers, who entered the tournament with a 1-2 record.

Minnesota jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when senior Josh Fitzgerald, a standout hitter for the Gophers, launched a solo home run to left field. However, Oklahoma junior pitcher Kyson Witherspoon quickly found his groove, dominating Minnesota’s lineup for the next seven innings. The preseason All-SEC selection was electric, striking out a career-high 12 batters while allowing just three hits and no walks in his stellar outing.

Oklahoma’s offense initially struggled to find its footing but broke through in the fourth. A hit-by-pitch to junior Trey Gambill sparked the rally, followed by a sacrifice bunt and an RBI single from freshman Kyle Branch to tie the game at 1-1. The Sooners took the lead in the fifth when sophomore Sam Christiansen drove in sophomore Jason Walk with a single. An eighth-inning balk allowed Oklahoma to extend their lead to 3-1.

On the mound for Minnesota, sophomore Cole Selvig, a transfer from the University of Texas, pitched effectively despite the cool conditions, striking out seven over 4.2 innings. The Gophers’ bullpen kept them in the game, with Will Whelan striking out five and Joe Sperry pitching a scoreless ninth.

Minnesota mounted a late comeback attempt in the bottom of the eighth, cutting the deficit to one run. However, Oklahoma’s freshman Michael Catalano and senior Dylan Crooks shut down the rally. Crooks returned in the ninth to close out the game, securing the 3-2 victory for the Sooners despite a tense final inning with a runner in scoring position for Minnesota.

Minnesota will look to rebound on Saturday against the University of Virginia, while Oklahoma will face Oregon State University. Both games are slated to be played at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.