A day after Alabama's late-inning heroics rallied the Crimson Tide to a series-opening victory over Oklahoma, the Sooners pulled one back with the same approach Saturday.
The No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners scored two runs in the ninth inning and stranded two Alabama runners on base in the bottom of the frame to beat the Crimson Tide, 6-5.
Back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases for OU in the ninth. Trey Gambill broke a 4-4 tie with a sacrifice fly to score Dawson Willis, and Easton Carmichael followed with an RBI single to plate Brandon Cain and give the Sooners a two-run lead heading into the final half-inning. It was nearly a three-run lead, but Jason Walk was out on a play at the plate trying to provide insurance on Carmichael's single.
Alabama still put a fright into the Sooners. Oklahoma closer Dylan Crooks walked two batters and allowed a single among the first four he faced in the ninth, loading the bases with one out. Kade Snell's RBI groundout made the lead just one and provided Alabama runners at second and third with two outs. But on a 3-2 count, Crooks caught Alabama catcher Will Plattner looking on a strikeout to end the game.
Sam Christiansen had the best day at the plate for OU, going 2 for 4 with a solo home run. Gambill and Willis each reached base three times and scored two runs apiece. Oklahoma starter Cade Crossland allowed just two runs and struck out seven in his six innings of work.
Sunday's series finale serves as a rubber match after Alabama won the opener Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: No. 9 Oklahoma baseball beats Alabama in Game 2
