OU Baseball: Mercurius Strikes Out 12, Sooners Cruise in Bedlam

University of Oklahoma Athletics Communications

ARLINGTON, Texas — No. 19/RV Oklahoma continued its hot start with a 10-1 win over Oklahoma State on the second day of the season-opening Shriners Children’s College Showdown.

In his OU debut, junior right-handed pitcher LJ Mercurius impressed, going 5.1 innings and striking out a career high-tying 12 batters. The UNLV transfer surrendered just one run on three hits with two walks. It was the second straight game an OU starting pitcher eclipsed 10 strikeouts after opening day starter Cameron Johnson struck out 11 in Friday’s win over Texas Tech. Sooner pitchers fanned 17 OSU (0-2) batters on the day, allowing just four hits.

The OU (2-0) offense picked up where it left off, scoring 10 runs on 12 hits with five extra-base hits including a home run from senior Trey Gambill. It was Gambill’s second in as many games as the outfielder went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs in Saturday’s win over the Pokes.

Sophomore Michael Catalano relieved Mercurius in the sixth, making his first appearance of the season and striking out four to tie his career best. Senior righty Reid Hensley finished the game in the ninth, putting the Pokes down in order with one K.

Pitchers of Record

Win: LJ Mercurius (1-0)

Loss: Mario Pesca (0-1)

Statistical Snapshot

• Trey Gambill | 3-for-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB
• Brendan Brock | 3-for-4, 1 2B, 3 R
• Jaxon Willits | 2-for-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 R
• Dayton Tockey | 1-for-3, 2 RBI
• LJ Mercurius | 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 12 K

Notes

• RHP LJ Mercurius struck out a career high-tying 12. The junior struck out the side in two of his 5.1 innings pitched and registered two or more K’s in four innings.
• Through two games, OU is outscoring the opposition 20-4.
• The Sooner pitching staff struck out 17, the most since fanning 17 vs. Texas last season (5/16/25). The staff has a combined 30 K’s in OU’s first two games and has allowed just 10 hits.
• Oklahoma’s offense has combined for 20 runs on 21 hits through two games.
• Senior Trey Gambill tied his career high with three hits.
• Freshmen Alec Blair and Connor Larkin made their collegiate debuts with Blair registering his first hit on an RBI single in the eighth.

Additional information including Box Score, Highlights, and Ticket Info.

Up Next

OU concludes the Shriners Children’s College Showdown Sunday evening vs. No. 10 TCU at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game can be seen via subscription on FloCollege and heard on 99.3 FM/1400 AM. Tickets for the weekend are available via CollegeBaseballSeries.com.