STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State hit out four home runs and OSU starter Harrison Bodendorf tossed 8.0 shutout innings to lead the Cowboys to a 12-0 victory over UCF in the series opener on Friday night at O’Brate Stadium.
The Pokes (20-21, 8-11 Big 12) got off to a quick start with a run in the first, two in the second and two more in the third to jump out to a 5-0 advantage. Preseason All-Big 12 honoree Colin Brueggemann had the big hit in the early innings with a two-run homer in the third inning.
The Knights (24-21, 6-16 Big 12) looked to respond in the top of fourth by getting two runners aboard with two outs. Lex Boedicker then drove a ball to deep left center, but OSU’s Alex Conover managed to get back to make the running catch.
Oklahoma State added to its lead with three more home runs over the next two innings to make it 9-0. Brock Thompson hit a solo shot in the fourth and a two-run homer in the fifth, while Brueggemann also hit out his second round tripper of the game with a solo homer in the fifth.
After UCF reliever Dakota Stone pitched a scoreless sixth, the Cowboys responded with three more runs in the seventh to put the game away.
OSU southpaw Bodendorf improved to 8-1 on the year after allowing just four hits and no runs while striking out seven over 8.0 innings of work. Reliever Stormy Rhodes then came on and retired the Knights in order in the ninth to seal the shutout. Camden Wicker was tagged with the loss for the Black and Gold to drop to 0-2 on the year.
DeAmez Ross, Andrew Williamson, Andrew Sundean and Braden Calise all collected hits in the game for the Knights. Brueggemann and Thompson both homered twice and drove in three runs apiece to lead the way for the Pokes.
The contest marked UCF’s inaugural game against OSU in Stillwater. It also marked the first time on the season that the Black and Gold have been shutout.
The Knights and Cowboys will continue the series on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT. The two will then close the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET/noon CT. Both games will air live on ESPN+ and FM 96.9 The Game.