Houston: Sooner Bats Stay Hot

By Jeremy Mills - June 12, 2006

After scoring the final ten runs in yesterday's 11-5 victory, the Sooner sticks stayed hot at the beginning of Monday's deciding game. After Chuckie Caufield reached after being hit by a Craig Crow pitch, Russell Raley extended his hitting streak to nine games with a single up the middle that moved Caufield to third with noone out. That got the Owl bullpen started early, with stopper Cole St. Clair loosening quickly down the third base line.

After running the count full, Ryan Rohlinger walked to load the bases for the Sooners. Kevin Smith knocked in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly the right, and the Sooner faithful were up and chanting "O-U" for the first time this game. Shortstop Brian Friday made a great play in the hole to prevent a Freddy Rodriguez single, but Raley came home for the second run as the out was recorded at first. That play also marked the end of the game for Craig Crow, who left after throwing 17 pitches (only 7 strikes) and allowing two runs.

Cole St. Clair (5-2, 1.55) is on for the Owls as they hope to stem the tide and keep the Sooner lead at 2-0 in the top of the first.