STILLWATER, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball team enters the week of February 23-March 1, 2026, riding momentum from a successful opening series against Grand Canyon, where they claimed three of four games on the road.
The Pokes officially kicked off the season (previously playing in the Shriners Children’s Collegiate Showdown) with a tough 10-7 loss in the opener on February 20 but bounced back emphatically, evening the series with a win on February 21, securing another victory on February 22, and capping it with a run-rule triumph on February 23.
The ability to take an early “punch in the mouth” and then fight back for a 3-1 series victory sets a positive tone as Oklahoma State prepares for its home opener and a weekend series at O’Brate Stadium.
Highlighting the Grand Canyon University series was senior third baseman Aidan Meola, who earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors on February 23.
Meola went 8-for-19 (.421) with a double, four home runs, and 12 RBIs, slugging 1.105. He homered in every game, including a game-tying two-run shot and an RBI single in Saturday’s 10-7 win, followed by a career-high five RBIs with a grand slam in Sunday’s run-rule finale.
As per the OSU Baseball X account (@OSUBaseball) and official release, Meola’s explosive performance propelled the Cowboys’ offense, which has shown power early despite a team batting average hovering around .280 and an ERA of 4.50 through four games.
Other key contributors include outfielder Nolan Schubart (.350, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and pitcher Brian Hendry (1-0, 3.00 ERA, 12 K in 6 IP), anchoring a staff that’s struck out 38 batters.
Tuesday marks the highly anticipated home opener against Central Arkansas (2-2) at 4:00 PM CT. The Bears, coming off a split series at home, feature a balanced attack led by infielder Mason King (.375, 1 HR, 4 RBI) and pitcher Jesse Wainscott (0-1, 4.50 ERA). UCA’s team batting .265 but allows a 5.25 ERA, potentially vulnerable to OSU’s bats.
Starting for the Cowboys is right-hander Drew Blake (0-0, 2.25 ERA from relief appearances), who brings swing-and-miss stuff with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings this season.
Expect a high-scoring affair if OSU dictates pace as the Pokes’ power could overwhelm UCA’s pitching. Though clean defense is key against the Bears’ opportunistic base-running (6-for-7 steals).
Adding to the home opener festivities, as announced via @OSUBaseball’s X post, is the launch of “$2 Tuesdays”, featuring $2 general admission tickets and $2 hot dogs to pack O’Brate Stadium.
The week culminates with a three-game weekend series against Sam Houston State (1-3), starting Friday, February 27 at 4:00 PM CT, followed by Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 PM CT, and Sunday, March 1 at 1:00 PM CT.
Starting pitchers remain TBA for all games, per okstate.com.
The Bearkats, struggling early after losses to mid-majors, rely on outfielder Jake Reinisch (.333, 1 HR, 3 RBI) and starter Michael Watson (0-1, 6.00 ERA).
Sam Houston bats .240 as a team with a 7.50 ERA, making them ripe for OSU’s offense to exploit. However, their bullpen has shown flashes with 25 strikeouts in 24 innings.
For the Cowboys, containing SHSU’s speed (5 steals) while leaning on Meola and Schubart’s hot bats could lead to a sweep, building confidence before Big 12 play.