Oklahoma State Baseball Gears Up For Tuscaloosa Regional

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State baseball is officially postseason-bound once again.

The Cowboys earned an at-large bid and the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional, set to open play Friday against third-seeded USC Upstate.

Host Alabama, the No. 7 national seed, and Alabama State round out the four-team bracket.

This marks OSU’s 51st NCAA Regional appearance overall and 13th in a row, keeping the program among the most consistent in the country.

After a season that had plenty of ups and downs, the Cowboys finished 37-20 and placed fifth in the Big 12 with an 18-12 league record.

Now the focus shifts entirely to Tuscaloosa and the opportunity to make a deep run.

Head coach Josh Holliday, in his 14th season leading his alma mater, wasted no time shifting into tournament mode after Selection Monday.

“Just thrilled to be in the field and looking forward to learning more about South Carolina Upstate,” Cowboys coach Josh Holliday said after the watch party.

“Going to go upstairs as soon as we get done chatting and get to work.”

Holliday has limited recent history with the host Crimson Tide but remembers the atmosphere well. “I think we went there (Tuscaloosa) for a three-game series, I know that for sure,” Holliday said.

“I think it was a nice stadium, I think it’s been significantly upgraded in the last 15 years or so. I’m sure it’s an awesome venue, like most everything in that region.

“I don’t know a ton about all their players, just haven’t had a chance to compete against them recently, but obviously it’s probably a very high-level operation and (Rob Vaughn’s) a great coach.”

The new matchups and different part of the country actually appeal to Holliday. He appreciates that the selection committee mixed things up this year.

“Some years you get sent to a regional, and maybe you’re familiar with three of the four teams,” Holliday said.

“Sometimes it’s neat to get sent somewhere new from the standpoint of a different part of the country, different set of opponents, people that you’re not super familiar with. But then, quite quickly, you have to become knowledgeable about the ball club you’re going to face in Upstate, and then obviously understand the tournament as a whole and the other two teams and what they bring.

“My motor right now is ready to go sit down and start working. That’s where your mind goes, to be honest with you. Kudos to the committee for not just necessarily putting all the regionalized teams in the same spots. I think that adds to the experience for the players, whether it lines up straight matchups on seeds or RPIs, or however those are made. I do think there’s something exciting about seeing something new.”

The players are embracing the chance to extend their season together.

Golden Spikes and Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist Kollin Ritchie shared the group’s mindset heading down south.

“We’re excited,” Ritchie said. “Just kind of get to play with our team a little bit longer. Like Josh says, we’re always at this point in the season, everybody’s playing for time. So it’s exciting to get to do that another week with everybody.”

Veteran leader Mario Pesca also spoke about what this postseason means to him personally and the approach the team has taken through the ups and downs of the year.

“I can’t speak on behalf of my team, but just from my perspective, any way that I could help and further what we’re doing here means a whole lot to me,” Pesca said.

“… I wish I had more years here as a Cowboy … I think we’ve done a good job of attacking each moment as it’s come and handling it the best way that we know how.”

The Cowboys will rely on their elite power hitting, they rank second nationally with 137 home runs, and a deep lineup as they open against a USC Upstate team they’ve never faced before.

Alabama leads the all-time series with OSU 2-1, while the matchups against USC Upstate and Alabama State are first-time meetings.

After early-season struggles that had some fans calling for changes, this regional berth feels like validation for Holliday and the program.

Now the Cowboys have the chance to turn a solid season into something special.

A strong showing in Tuscaloosa could build serious momentum heading into Super Regionals and, hopefully, Omaha.

For now, the focus is sharp and the energy is high.

The Cowboys are ready to work, excited for new challenges, and determined to make the most of their extended time together in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Tuscaloosa Regional Schedule

Friday, May 29

Game 1 – USC Upstate vs. Oklahoma State, 1 p.m.

Game 2 – Alabama State vs. Alabama, 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 30

Game 3 – Loser G1 vs. Loser G2

Game 4 – Winner G1 vs. Winner G2

Sunday, May 31

Game 5 – Winner G3 vs. Loser G4

Game 6 – Winner G4 vs. Winner G5

Monday, June 1

Game 7 – Winner G6 vs. Loser G6 (if necessary)