Oklahoma State Knocks off No. 8 TCU in Series Opener

The Cowboys continued to cement themselves as a national contender with the four-run win Friday.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:23 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Knocks off No. 8 TCU in Series Opener

Originally Published: May 6, 2011 11:17 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Thanks to strong pitching from their pitching staff, Oklahoma State picked up a 6-2, series-opening win over the No. 8 TCU Horned Frogs at home.

OSU (32-13) starter Mike Strong kept the Horned Frogs’ offense from getting going, pitching 6.2 innings, giving up four hits and one earned run – a leadoff home run in the second inning – to receive the win. TCU’s Kyle Winkler (8-2) had a rare struggle in the loss, giving up nine hits and three earned runs in his six innings of service.

The Cowboys returned serve in the home half of the second inning with an inside-the-park home run to center field from third baseman Mark Ginther. Luis Uribe lead off the bottom of the second with a home run of the traditional variety to take a 2-1 advantage.

Oklahoma State wouldn’t trail for the rest of the contest.

Davis Duren led off the bottom of the fourth with an infield single and advanced to second on a wild pitch two-at bats later. Uribe followed with a single to right center to bring Duren home and take a two-run lead.

TCU tacked on a single run in the seventh inning, but OSU closed it out in the bottom of the eighth an RBI double from Hunter Bailey and a two-run double from Zach Johnson.

The weekend series will continue at 2 p.m. Saturday, as the Cowboys will try to make it a four-game win streak.