OSU Looking to Breathe New Life into Baseball Program

With the nation's 15th-ranked incoming recruiting class, the Cowboys are looking to rebound from last season's disappointing end and breath new life in the program.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:12 pm

By: News On 6

OSU Looking to Breathe New Life into Baseball Program

Originally Published: Feb 10, 2011 6:34 PM CDT

Carson Cunningham
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

STILLWATER - The 2010 baseball season still bothers Frank Anderson.

A year ago, the OSU coach watched his club fade down the stretch losing 5 of their last 8 games, resulting in a 29-26 record. To make matters worse, Oklahoma State failed to make the Big 12 Tournament for the second consecutive time.

"We're still not over it," Anderson said of the 2010 season. "It's not a life or death deal but you don't forget those things."

In attempt to turn things around, Anderson has injected new life into the program. OSU's incoming recruiting class ranks 15th nationally. And it's clear Anderson wants to win right away, with nine of the 20 newcomers coming from the Junior College ranks.

Five starters return from last year's team, including All-Big 12 second baseman Davis Duren. Four of the returning starters hit .320 or better this past season.

"We all know how we finished and we don't want that to happen again," junior third baseman Mark Ginther said. "So that's definitely motivation for the guys returning."

The Cowboys open the season February 18th against Bryant University (Rhode Island).

"We've got something to prove," sophomore catcher Dane Phillips said. "It's kind of like us against the world this year."

First Pitch of the season against Bryant will be thrown at 4 p.m. on Feb. 18.