Oklahoma Falls To Samford In Opener

The Oklahoma Sooners dropped their second consecutive game Thursday, falling to the Samford Bulldogs 4-2 to open the three-game series.

Samford started the game off hot, thanks to a solo home run from Saxon Butler in the top of the first to take 1-0 lead.

Oklahoma tied the game in the bottom of the fourth, after a Max White leadoff walk, Jack Mayfield brought him home two at-bats later to tie the game 1-1. However, the Bulldogs retook the lead in the top of the fifth on a Tyler Fillben fielder's choice.

The Sooners answered in the bottom of the fifth, thanks to a sacrifice fly from Cody Reine, scoring Garrett Carey to tie the game 2-2. But that would be the last score of the night for OU.

Samford once again would take the lead in the top of the sixth. Brad Moss singled to lead off the inning and three at-bats later Phillip Ervin singled to left field to score Moss and take a 3-2 lead. Christian Durdaller knocked out a two-out home run in the top of the ninth to cap off the scoring for the Bulldogs.

Josh Martin was credited with a win for the outing, giving up two earned runs on six hits in his five innings of service for the Bulldogs. Jordan John received a loss for the outing, giving up two earned runs on five hits and striking out six batters in his six innings of service.

Oklahoma will try to avoid three consecutive losses at 6:30 p.m. Friday, the second of the three-game, season-closing series.