Right‑handed transfer pitcher LJ Mercurius announced his Oklahoma debut with a dazzling 12‑strikeout performance, guiding the Sooners to a 10‑1 triumph over in‑state rival Oklahoma State in the early‑season Bedlam baseball showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The win marked the Sooners’ second straight victory in the 350th edition of the Bedlam series and improved Oklahoma’s record to 2‑0 on the season. It also continued a recent trend: Oklahoma has beaten the Cowboys in the past two meetings, including an 11‑1 run‑rule win last year.
Mercurius, a junior right‑hander who transferred from UNLV, limited the Cowboys to just three hits over 5 ⅓ innings while issuing two walks and hitting two batters. His dominant outing contributed to a total of 31 strikeouts recorded by the Sooners in their first two games, while OSU managed only eight hits.
Mercurius’ debut lights up Bedlam
In his first appearance for Oklahoma, Mercurius struck out 12 batters, a feat confirmed by multiple outlets covering the game. MSN recap noted the strikeout total as a key factor in the Sooners’ early lead. He worked 5 ⅓ innings, allowing a lone run on three hits, two walks and two hit‑by‑pitches before departing. Reliever Michael Catalano entered the game and struck out both batters he faced, preserving the lead.
OSU’s hitters struggled against Mercurius, striking out 11 times in his tenure on the mound. The Cowboys finished the day with 14 total strikeouts, underscoring the Sooners’ pitching dominance.
Offensive fireworks from Gambill and Willits
Oklahoma’s offense complemented the pitching performance with timely power. Senior outfielder Trey Gambill belted a three‑run homer to the right‑field fence, his second consecutive long ball, putting the game out of reach early. The blast lifted the Sooners to a 4‑0 lead by the fourth inning.
Shortstop Jaxon Willits contributed three RBIs, including a two‑run double in the first inning off OSU starter Mario Pesca. Willits added a single in the fifth to drive in his third run of the day, cementing the Sooners’ offensive firepower.
Additional run support came from first‑baseman Dayton Tockey, whose sacrifice fly in the fourth inning scored Brendan Brock, and from Jason Walk, who added a run‑scoring single in the eighth.
OSU’s limited response and injury setback
Oklahoma State managed a solitary run in the ninth inning, ending the game at 10‑1. The Cowboys’ only scoring came after a late‑inning rally, but they fell to 0‑2 on the season.
In the middle of the eighth, the Cowboys suffered a blow to their lineup when shortstop Avery Ortiz injured his leg while making a diving stop. Ortiz, a sophomore from Tulsa Union, had previously missed 17 games due to injuries.
OSU starter Mario Pesca was charged with four runs on five hits and three walks over three innings. Reliever Brennan Phillips surrendered four more runs in the fifth, prompting the Sooners to add four additional runs and stretch the lead to 8‑1.
Looking ahead: tournament title on the line
With the victory, Oklahoma now turns its attention to the Shriners Children’s College Showdown championship game on Sunday, when the Sooners will face TCU at 6:30 p.m. A win would give Oklahoma a trio of victories over former Big 12 opponents, highlighting the program’s early‑season momentum after its inaugural SEC campaign.
Meanwhile, OSU seeks redemption against Vanderbilt at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday, hoping to halt a 0‑2 start.
Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor, provided the game recap.
Fans can look forward to the Sooners’ next contest against TCU on Sunday, where the winner will claim the tournament title and solidify Oklahoma’s early‑season standing.
Share your thoughts on the game and follow our coverage for updates throughout the season.
