Oklahoma State Doubles-Up Western Illinois

Originally Published: Mar 17, 2010 7:58 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Oklahoma State defeated Western Illinois, 6-3, Wednesday to win its two-game series with the Leathernecks.

Western Illinois (4-8) took the lead in the top of the first inning after an RBI single by Bryan Jordan.

Mark Ginther’s bases clearing double in the bottom half of the inning was the start of a four-run rally by the Cowboys (10-2). Dane Phillips brought Ginther home with a single to put OSU on top 4-1.

Tom Belza hit his first home run of the year in the second inning to push the Cowboys lead to 5-1.

Mike Strong pitched seven innings and struck out eight to improve to 2-0 on the season.

OSU will host Missouri State at 3 p.m. Friday, followed by a matchup against Wright State at approximately 6 p.m.