Stillwater Regional: Cowboys Win First Regional Since 2007

It’s been a long time coming, but the Cowboys are heading back to a Super Regional. Here’s what you missed:

Pokes Rally Behind Costello HR, Eliminate Cal State Fullerton

The Cowboys got a rematch against Cal State Fullerton in the Regional Final after the Titans beat Nebraska 4-3 in the first game of the day. It was Fullerton’s third game in 24 hours, and the fatigue finally caught up to the Titans.

Down 4-1 in the 6th, Conor Costello hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot that gave the team some energy and brought the crowd back to life. The Cowboys took the lead for good in the 7th when Tim Arakawa hit a two-run single with the bases loaded. Bryan Case followed with a single of his own to push the lead to 6-4.

It was another rough start for Tyler Nurdin, who gave up three runs and couldn’t get out of the 1st inning. He walked three hitters and gave up three hits before pitching coach Rob Walton went to the bullpen, bringing in reliever Trey Cobb. Cobb was able to get a strikeout with the bases loaded, but the damage was already done.

Cobb was excellent in relief, throwing 5.1 innings and allowing an unearned run on six hits. Once the Cowboys took the lead, Holliday wasted no time in bringing in closer Brendan McCurry for the two-inning save.

McCurry got into some trouble in the 9th when he loaded the bases, but got a strikeout to end the game and send OSU to its first Super Regional since 2007. Seven players made the Regional All-Tournament Team, including Most Outstanding Player Donnie Walton.

He’s been clutch all season.

Once again, #AraCLUTCHwa.

Big O-S-U chants here at Reynolds Stadium. #okstate

— Cowboy Baseball (@OSUBaseball) June 2, 2014

Saw it postgame. Mild celebrating, but this team has more to achieve.

Fullerton coach Rick Vanderhook: "They have the Oklahoma State attitude back." #OkState

— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) June 2, 2014

https://twitter.com/OSUZachFish/status/473329012966969344

The secret to the success?

Grateful 4 opportunity to cater for @OSUBaseball every night this wknd…I'd say that worked out well! #cheesefriesmakeyoustrong #GoPokes

— Eskimo Joe's (@eskimojoes) June 2, 2014

Around The Big 12

OSU isn’t the only conference team heading to a Super Regional. TCU clinched one of the final 16 spots with a 6-1 win over Sam Houston State last night. Because the Horned Frogs are the No. 7 national seed, they will host the Super Regional at home against Pepperdine, who were a perfect 3-0 in their Regional.

Two more Super Regional spots are on the line for the Big 12 today. Texas Tech had its game suspended last night and will resume play against Miami. The Red Raiders are up 1-0 in the top of the 8th, and if they lose, will turn around and play the Hurricanes again today.

The Longhorns dropped their first game of the NCAA Tournament against Texas A&M last night, 3-2. Both teams face off again, with the winner heading to a Super Regional.

Update On The Corvallis Regional

There’s been a lot of talk about the potential of Stillwater hosting a Super Regional, and we can get into that in a minute. But the important thing to note is this – Oregon State hasn’t been eliminated yet.

The Beavers won two games yesterday, including a 4-0 shutout of UC Irvine, to force the winner-take-all game Monday night. If Oregon State wins, then the Super Regional will be in Corvallis, and that’s that.

If Oregon State loses, that’s where things get dicey. This explains it well, but the gist is that the NCAA will decide who hosts the Super Regional. My money is on OSU hosting, and here’s why.

UC Irvine plays in Anteater Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium that seats almost 1,500 less people than Allie P. But the key word there is multi-purpose. UC Irvine shares the stadium with the Orange County Blues FC – a third-division soccer team. It just so happens the Blues have a home game this coming Saturday, which is when the second game of the Super Regional is slated to be played.

That being said, we all know how great the decision makers at the NCAA are. And let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Oregon State still needs to lose. That game takes place at 10 p.m. Central and will be on ESPNU. Until then, the Cowboys will get a day off, get some much-needed rest, and await their Super Regional opponent.