OU Baseball: OU Takes Down BYU To Win Series

Sophomore shortstop Sheldon Neuse blasted a two-run home run in the first inning and the Oklahoma baseball team never looked back in a 7-1 win over BYU at Cashman Field on Saturday afternoon. The Sooners improved to 9-5 on the year by taking the series three games to one.

Neuse was immediately followed by junior third baseman Anthony Hermelyn with a solo shot out to left-center. Oklahoma took advantage of the Las Vegas wind blowing out to center in a hitter-friendly park by totaling four home runs on the day. Junior left fielder Hunter Haley added a two-run fly in the seventh and two batters later junior catcher Chris Shaw hit a towering show just inside the left field foul pole.

Redshirt-junior lefty Adam Choplick picked up the win in a six-inning start. He struck out seven and allowed one unearned run on four hits and three walks.

The OU defense was stellar behind Choplick; turning four-groundball double plays, including three with Choplick on the mound.

For the game, the Sooners totaled nine hits with two-hit days from Neuse and Hermelyn; each going 2-for-4. Junior center fielder Craig Aikin extended his season-best hit streak to eight games and stole his team-leading fourth base of the season.

Right-hander Maverik Buffo (0-1) suffered the loss in his first career start for the Cougars (2-10). He lasted 3.2 innings and struck out four, while giving up four runs on six hits and four walks. Designated hitter Colton Shaver and center fielder Brennon Lund each went 2-for-4.

The Sooners return home for a non-conference game against Arkansas-Little Rock Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm.

Notes:

· Oklahoma leads the all-time series against BYU, 8-2, including 5-1 in games played in Las Vegas.

· The Sooners hit four home runs for the first time since blasting six at Kansas State (5/2/10).

· Oklahoma starting pitchers have lasted six or more innings in six out of 14 starts this season.

· The Sooners turned a season-high four double plays.

· Craig Aikin, whose 17-game hit streak ended at Arizona State last week, has responded with an eight-game hit streak since then.

· Oklahoma is 6-2 when playing at a neutral site this season.

· Hunter Haley and Sheldon Neuse each hit the eighth home run of their career.

· The Sooners allowed only one run for the fourth time this season.