Travel Curfew Cuts OU Off In 7-6 Loss

News9.com

MALIBU, Calif. – Sometimes even rules that are meant to be beneficial can turn out bad for a team.

OU's series finale against Pepperdine was cut short by a travel curfew, resulting in a 7-6 loss in the middle of the eighth inning.

Each conference has its own set of rules about traveling curfews, and the Big 12's limits how late a team can play on a Sunday afternoon in order to get back in time for Monday classes.

But the Sooners can't blame anyone but themselves, for they had a 3-0 lead early in the game that they couldn't hang onto.

Some wild pitching from the Waves contributed to OU jumping out on top in the first. Pepperdine starter Alex Najera faced three batters and didn't pick up a single out before the Waves sent in their first reliever of the game.

The Waves bounced back with one run in the first and three runs in the third inning thanks to homers from Matt Forgatch and Bryan Langlois.

OU eventually rallied to trade some more runs and tie the game at six. But the clinching plays from Pepperdine came in the seventh inning as an RBI single from Joe Sever was the difference in the game.

Oklahoma starter Steven Okert got 3 2/3 innings of throwing in, giving up four runs and five walks. He registered a no-decision after the Sooners tied the game at six.

Pepperdine reliever Michael Swanner picked up the win for the Waves.

OU will head back to Norman for its home opener and a three-game series against Hartford. First pitch on Friday is set for 3 p.m. at L. Dale Mitchell Park.