Oklahoma State closed its regular season non-conference schedule with a 12-7 win over Oral Roberts at Chapman Park, moving to 34-18 on the year. The 21st-ranked Cowboys hit four home runs, pushing their season total to 128, the fifth-most in program history.
Former Enid Plainsmen standout Jake Kennedy played a key role in the win. Kennedy pitched 4 2/3 innings in relief, allowing just one run and striking out four. He picked up the win, showing the same poise he displayed in high school, where he helped lead Enid to two state tournament appearances.
Alex Conover set the early pace with a home run on the fourth pitch of the game, then added another in his next at-bat. Oral Roberts briefly took a 4-2 lead in the fourth, but Oklahoma State responded quickly.
The Cowboys broke things open in the sixth inning. Avery Ortiz hit a grand slam, followed by Kollin Ritchie with a solo home run. That put OSU ahead 9-6. Ortiz and Remo Indomenico later drove in more runs to keep the lead safe. Ritchie’s home run was his 28th of the season, tying him for fifth in school history. He also joined just nine other Cowboys with at least 50 career home runs.
Oklahoma State now gears up for its final regular season series against Arizona at O’Brate Stadium, starting Thursday. If you want more details, visit okstate.com.
How do you think Kennedy’s experience at Enid prepared him for moments like these? If you follow local baseball, what impact do you see from high school standouts stepping up at the college level?
