Cowboys Survive and Advance: Oklahoma State Outlasts Alabama State in 11-Inning Thriller

WILD.

That is the only word to describe the game that saved Oklahoma State's season. The Cowboys held on for an 8-7 victory in 11 innings over Alabama State in an elimination game at the Tuscaloosa Regional.

In a game where offensive production was limited, OSU managed just five hits, but two of them left the yard and accounted for five runs. One came on a solo home run from Kollin Ritchie in the top of the 11th inning to put the Cowboys ahead for good, his first homer of the postseason. The other was a grand slam from Colin Brueggeman, also his first of the regional.

The Cowboys managed just one hit through the first four innings but took advantage of their opportunities. After loading the bases thanks in part to an Alabama State error, Brueggeman delivered the biggest swing of the game with a grand slam. It was part of a five-RBI day for the Cowboy slugger. OSU also showed patience at the plate, drawing 10 walks and getting hit by pitches three times.

Those power bats helped Oklahoma State build a six-run lead, only for Alabama State to battle back and erase the deficit. The Hornets put together an efficient offensive performance with 11 hits and eventually forced extra innings.

Facing elimination, Oklahoma State showed the resilience that has defined its season. After watching a six-run advantage disappear, many teams would have folded. Instead, the Cowboys responded in the 11th inning when Ritchie delivered the biggest swing of the day. The veteran lineup never panicked despite managing only five hits, finding ways to manufacture offense through patience at the plate and taking advantage of Alabama State mistakes.

Mario Pesca sealed the deal on the mound for the Cowboys, tossing the final 3.2 innings to earn his seventh win of the season. The right-hander worked out of a jam in the bottom of the 11th with two runners in scoring position to preserve the victory. Brennan Phillips got the start and kept Alabama State hitters off balance throughout the afternoon, striking out seven over 5.2 innings.

The Cowboys now have a chance to get some revenge on USC Upstate if the Spartans fall to host and top-seeded Alabama in Saturday night's matchup. Upstate upset No. 19 Oklahoma State in the regional opener Friday afternoon. A potential rematch would take place Sunday with Oklahoma State's season once again on the line.

In postseason baseball, style points do not matter. Survival does. And for at least one more day, the Cowboys are still alive.