The Oklahoma Sooners’ Dominance: A Three-Star Performance in Their Sweep of Mississippi

The Oklahoma Sooners baseball team has long been known for its powerhouse performances on the diamond, and their series sweep against Mississippi State is a testament to their resilience, skill, and team chemistry. Over the course of three intense games, the Sooners made a resounding statement in college baseball, leaving no doubt about their capabilities. While many players contributed to the sweep, three players stood out with exceptional performances that not only fueled the Sooners’ victory but also displayed the depth of talent that defines this storied program. Let’s dive deep into the standout performances of three key players who made their mark during Oklahoma’s sweep of Mississippi State.

1. Tanner Tredaway – The Offensive Spark

Oklahoma’s offensive game was in full swing throughout the sweep of Mississippi State, and one player who stood out above the rest was outfielder Tanner Tredaway. His bat was on fire, and he provided the Sooners with the necessary offensive spark in each of the games, putting up stellar numbers that helped drive the team’s success. Tredaway’s performance was an essential component in the Sooners’ ability to dominate Mississippi State, contributing both with his bat and his ability to get on base.

Game 1: Setting the Tone

In the opening game of the series, Tredaway was instrumental in setting the tone for the Sooners’ high-powered offense. He opened the game with a leadoff double in the top of the first inning, immediately putting the Bulldogs’ defense on the back foot. From there, he went on to have a multi-hit game, finishing with two hits in three at-bats, an RBI, and two runs scored. His aggressive approach at the plate was infectious and sent a message that Oklahoma was going to make the most of every opportunity at bat.

What made Tredaway’s performance even more impressive was his ability to execute when it mattered most. With the game tied 4-4 in the top of the sixth, Tredaway ripped a two-run double that put Oklahoma ahead for good. His clutch hitting came at a crucial juncture in the game, allowing the Sooners to build a lead they would not relinquish.

Game 2: Consistency at the Plate

In Game 2 of the series, Tredaway continued to be a thorn in Mississippi State’s side. He once again delivered with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, adding a run and an RBI. His RBI single in the third inning gave Oklahoma a 3-1 lead, and he followed that up by scoring in the fifth inning as the Sooners built an insurmountable lead. Tredaway’s consistency through the series was key to Oklahoma’s ability to pile on the runs and control the pace of the game.

His approach at the plate showed an understanding of how to attack pitching and take advantage of every pitch. He displayed patience in key situations, waiting for pitchers to make mistakes, then capitalizing on them with timely hits. His adaptability in different scenarios throughout the series was a major factor in Oklahoma’s offensive production.

Game 3: A Complete Performance

In the series finale, Tredaway capped off a fantastic weekend with another stellar showing. He led the team in the final game with a 3-for-5 performance, driving in two RBIs and scoring once. His leadership at the plate in the third game, combined with his stellar defense in the outfield, allowed Oklahoma to clinch the series sweep. His ability to put together quality at-bats and deliver in key situations helped the Sooners seal a commanding 8-3 victory in the final game of the series.

Overall, Tredaway’s series performance was a prime example of what makes him a star on the Oklahoma baseball team. His ability to provide both power and consistency at the plate gave the Sooners the offensive edge they needed to dominate Mississippi State. His impressive offensive numbers—7 hits, 4 RBIs, and 5 runs scored across the three games—made him a key contributor to the sweep.

2. Jake Bennett – The Ace of the Rotation

While offensive firepower is essential for any sweep, pitching is just as critical in ensuring that a team can consistently get the results it needs. For the Sooners, that pitcher was Jake Bennett. The left-handed ace took the mound for Oklahoma in Game 1 of the series and set the tone with a dominant performance that ultimately allowed the Sooners to secure a 6-4 victory.

Game 1: A Masterful Performance

Bennett’s outing in the first game of the series was nothing short of spectacular. He delivered six strong innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out seven batters. Bennett’s control was exceptional, and he demonstrated his ability to limit damage when Mississippi State put pressure on him. His poise under fire was particularly evident in the middle innings, when the Bulldogs had the bases loaded with no outs, only to see Bennett escape the jam unscathed with two strikeouts and a groundout.

Bennett’s fastball command was impeccable throughout the game, and his slider kept the Bulldogs off balance. He set up batters effectively, working both sides of the plate, and his ability to get ahead in counts allowed him to dictate the pace of the game. His performance in Game 1 was pivotal, as it gave the Sooners a much-needed strong start and helped them ride their offensive explosion to victory.

Game 2: Setting Up the Sweep

Although Bennett didn’t pitch in Game 2, his influence on the series was still felt. His stellar performance in Game 1 gave the Sooners a confidence boost, knowing they had a true ace to anchor their rotation. With the bullpen rested and the team energized by Bennett’s outing, the Sooners were able to maintain their focus and intensity in the following games. His leadership on the mound set the stage for the Sooners to complete the sweep.

Game 3: Solidifying the Sweep

Bennett’s leadership and his Game 1 performance also contributed to the Sooners’ ability to finish strong in Game 3. With his performance serving as a benchmark, the Sooners pitchers who followed—such as David Sandlin and Trevin Michael—were able to continue the momentum, keeping the Bulldogs’ offense in check and ensuring that the sweep remained intact.

Bennett’s performance in the series was a clear illustration of his status as one of the top pitchers in college baseball. His dominance on the mound allowed the Sooners to assert themselves early, and it was clear that Mississippi State had no answer for his stuff. Bennett’s 1.50 ERA across his six innings in Game 1 proved that he was in complete control, and his performance was a significant factor in Oklahoma’s ability to secure the sweep.

3. Jimmy Crooks – The Backstop with Power and Poise

Behind the plate, Jimmy Crooks was a rock for the Sooners. As the starting catcher, Crooks played an important role both defensively and offensively. His presence behind the plate provided confidence for the pitchers, and his timely hitting proved invaluable to the Sooners’ offense.

Game 1: Defensive Leadership and Offensive Spark

In Game 1, Crooks’ defensive performance was a key factor in Oklahoma’s victory. He managed the pitching staff with great poise, calling an excellent game and helping Bennett navigate through tricky situations. But it wasn’t just his defense that stood out—Crooks was also a force at the plate. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, including a key run-scoring single in the fifth inning to push the Sooners ahead. His ability to come through with a clutch hit when his team needed it most exemplified his importance to the team’s success.

Crooks’ leadership behind the plate extended beyond his ability to work with pitchers—he was also a vocal presence in the dugout, providing encouragement and keeping the team focused on the task at hand. His ability to remain calm under pressure and execute in critical moments helped to stabilize the Sooners’ efforts in Game 1.

Game 2: A Key Contributor

In the second game of the series, Crooks again displayed his knack for producing in high-leverage situations. His two-run home run in the sixth inning was the turning point in a game that saw Oklahoma break open a close contest. Crooks’ power from the catcher’s position was a welcome surprise for the Sooners’ offense, adding another layer of depth to their already potent lineup.

Crooks also continued to impress defensively, as his ability to block pitches and manage the pitchers in high-pressure situations was critical in maintaining the Sooners’ momentum. His defensive skill set was especially important in preventing Mississippi State from mounting any major rallies.

Game 3: The Complete Package

In the final game of the series, Crooks was once again a stabilizing force both behind the plate and at the plate. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI, contributing to the Sooners’ offensive effort. But his leadership behind the plate, his game management, and his ability to keep the pitchers calm and composed were the true highlights of his performance. Crooks’ all-around contributions were critical in the Sooners’ ability to finish off the sweep and complete the dominant series win.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma Sooners’ sweep of Mississippi State was a complete team effort, but the performances of Tanner Tredaway, Jake Bennett, and Jimmy Crooks were particularly impactful. Tredaway’s offensive prowess, Bennett’s dominance on the mound, and Crooks’ leadership behind the plate helped propel the Sooners to a decisive victory in each game of the series. With these three stars leading the way, Oklahoma made it clear that they are a force to be reckoned with in college baseball, and their sweep of Mississippi State will go down as one of their most impressive accomplishments of the season. As the Sooners move forward, the performances of these three players will continue to be a major factor in their pursuit of excellence.