NORMAN — No. 25 Oklahoma lost a slugfest in the first of three games vs. Lamar, 12-10, Thursday night at L. Dale Mitchell Park. 

The Sooners (15-10, 7-2 Big 12) rallied from a five-run deficit to take the lead in the fourth inning but a five-run seventh from Lamar (20-5, 3-0 Southland) gave the Cardinals the series-opening victory. 

OU hit three home runs on the night, propelled by junior Jackson Nicklaus who tied a career best with four hits, including a two-run homer, finishing 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs. 

Oklahoma got on the board first in the contest via error in the second inning as senior Anthony Mackenzie raced home on a play at first. 

In the third, Lamar scored six runs on four hits and an error to go up 6-1 after the top of the third. In the bottom half, OU pulled within two on a pair of home runs from seniors Bryce Madron and Mackenzie. It was Madron’s third of the season and Mackenzie’s second of his senior campaign as OU cut the deficit to two through three. 

After the Cardinals plated one via solo home run at the top of the fourth, OU poured in five runs on three hits, including two home runs, in the bottom half. After sophomore Easton Carmichael reached on a fielder’s choice that allowed freshman Jaxon Willits to cross home, an RBI single from Mackenzie and two-run home run from Nicklaus gave OU a two-run lead at 9-7 entering the fifth. 

Following a quiet fifth inning, the Sooners extended their lead to three in the sixth as Madron drew a walk and stole a pair of bags en route to home plate. 

The Cardinals responded with a five-run top half of the seventh to take the lead for good. The visitors scored five runs on four hits and an error in the frame to bring the final to 12-10. 

OU had the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh but a double play ended any threat of a rally. 

Oklahoma threw seven pitchers on the night with senior Carson Atwood (L, 0-1) taking the loss, surrendering three runs on four hits with four strikeouts. Starting RHP Brendan Girton was hot early, going 2.2 innings with five strikeouts before surrendering one earned run (6 R) on four hits and three walks. Relievers Carter CampbellJames HittReid HensleyRyan Lambert and Dylan Crooks all saw action out of the pen.

At the plate, OU recorded 10 runs on eight hits with Nicklaus’ four leading the squad. Mackenzie recorded a multi-hit game, finishing 2-for-4 with a season-high 4 RBIs.

The teams meet for Game 2 of the three-game set on Friday with first pitch slated for 6:30 p.m. CT. Saturday’s finale is scheduled for 2 p.m. 

All games can be seen via SoonerVision on ESPN+ and heard locally in Oklahoma on SportsTalk 1400 AM/99.3 FM or nationwide on The Varsity app. Live stats can be found at OUStats.com. 

Single game tickets and mini-plan options are available via SoonerSports.com/tickets.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma baseball, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_Baseball) and like Oklahoma Baseball on Facebook.

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