OU baseball (5-0) defeated Coppin State (0-2) 22-1 in its home opener at Kimrey Family Stadium.
Here are the takeaways:
Cameron Johnson’s performance
Junior pitcher Cameron Johnson delivered another promising performance in the Sooners’ home opener.
Head coach Skip Johnson stated Cameron Johnson had a good performance despite a rough start in the game.
“I thought he was a little out of rhythm when he first started, then he settled in,” head coach Skip Johnson said.
Cameron Johnson pitched five innings and recorded seven strikeouts, while giving up three hits, zero walks and accumulating a 1.64 earned run average. Cameron Johnson builds upon his strong performance against Texas Tech as he further establishes himself as a leader in the bullpen.
“I didn’t know what to expect (with) it being his first home opener,” Skip Johnson said. “Last week, he was really good.”
Friday was another encouraging sign from the junior, who looks to continue his strong start to the season.
Dickerson breakout game
Sophomore outfielder Drew Dickerson hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Sooners their first home run of the game, extending the lead to 13-1.
Dickerson tied his season high of one home run and three runs batted in, while accumulating two hits and a .500 batting average.
“That’s what you really look for is guys that you can pull off the bench having good at bats and getting big hits,” Skip Johnson said.
Dickerson joined the Sooners last season after ranking as the No. 2 shortstop and No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Missouri and No. 36 shortstop and No. 142 overall nationally.
Sooners’ scoring highs
The Sooners recorded a season high of 14 bases walked and 22 runs. This marks the second time this season the Sooners have recorded more than 12 walks, the first being the last game against New Mexico State.
Skip Johnson emphasized how important it was to get good looks and to make sure to time swings.
“Not swinging at balls, getting a good pitch to hit, … (those are) the biggest (things),” Skip Johnson said.
The Sooners’ 22 runs also marks their most runs scored in a game since a 22-10 victory over Kansas State on April 30, 2022.
Next, the Sooners will continue their series against Coppin State at 2 p.m. Saturday at Kimrey Family Stadium.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.