Big 12 baseball tournament: Day 1 recap

The Big 12 Tournament got off to an exciting start, as Day 1 featured a bevy of runs, hits and exciting plays, including a grand slam from the league MVP. Here’s what you missed:

Fish Hits Grand Salami, Pokes Win First Tourney Bedlam Game

In typical fashion, the Cowboys trailed 3-0 after the top of the 1st and it felt like this was going to be a repeat of the eight previous Bedlam matchups in the Big 12 Championship. Tyler Nurdin had a rocky start, but settled down and carried the team into the 5th.

With two outs and the bases loaded, Vince Wheeland came in and struck out the next Sooner hitter on three pitches. Fish added the insurance runs in the 6th and finished with a career-high six RBIs – tying the Big 12 Championship record. It was cruise control from there as the Pokes won 13-4 and advanced to Day 2 in the winner’s bracket.

Here’s a fun graphic on the Big 12’s Player of the Year (and good call on Rachel McAdams!):

#Big12BSB: Get to know @OSUBaseball's Zach Fish. Fish had a grand slam in the 6th inning of today's game. pic.twitter.com/JOeyw9ukEJ

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) May 22, 2014

And the highlights (that bomb from Costello!):

#Big12BSB: Highlights from @OSUBaseball's 13-4 win over in-state rival @OU_Baseball: http://t.co/yAgAwCswbx

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) May 22, 2014

Most wins since the 2008 team.

@OSUBaseball now fifth nationally with 42 wins. #okstate won 41 times last season in reaching regional final.

— Kevin Klintworth (@KKlintworth) May 22, 2014

West Virginia Pulls Upset, TCU and Texas Advance

In the biggest upset of the day, the Mountaineers shocked the Jayhawks, scoring eight runs in the 7th and holding off the KU comeback. Starters Harrison Musgrave (WVU) and Jordan Piche’ (KU) were roughed up for a combined 11 runs in a 10-9 West Virginia win.

TCU took care of Baylor, with starter Jordan Kipper striking out seven in seven shutout innings. The Bears scored four runs in the 9th, but it wasn’t enough as the Horned Frogs advanced, 8-5.

The nightcap featured more runs, but was a one-sided affair. The Longhorns took the lead in the 2nd, scoring five runs, and they didn’t let up. Tech’s bats were kept in check, and Texas stayed in the winner’s bracket with an 8-3 victory.

Times And Matchups For Day Two

Here’s what today’s games look like:

Kansas vs. Baylor, 9 a.m.
Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma, 12:30 p.m.
TCU vs. West Virginia, 4 p.m.
Oklahoma State vs. Texas, 7:30 p.m.