Cade Horton sets College World Series strikeout record in Oklahoma title loss

After missing his true freshman season with an arm injury and subsequently undergoing Tommy John Surgery, Oklahoma pitcher Cade Horton emerged as a top option for the Sooners during the College World Series.

Horton pitched well in his final few outings of the season, with his best stuff truly coming during Oklahoma’s run in the postseason. That was especially on display in Omaha.

In Oklahoma’s game against Notre Dame in the opening round of the College World Series, Horton tossed six innings and allowed five hits and two runs while striking out 11 on 100 pitches, a career high. In Sunday’s Game 2 of the CWS final, though, Horton blew past his previous highs.

On Sunday against Ole Miss, Horton threw 107 pitches across 7.1 innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. He also struck out 13 batters, which set a new College World Series final record in a single game. Unfortunately for Horton, his masterful performance wasn’t enough, and Ole Miss battled back to claim the title in the late innings. After Horton came out in the eighth inning, Ole Miss struck for three runs, taking a 4-2 lead into the ninth. That was enough as Oklahoma was unable to answer back in the final frame.

On the season, Horton made 14 appearances and threw 53.2 innings. For much of the beginning of the year, Horton was eased back onto the mound and he struggled at times while getting hit around at some points. After allowing eight runs in 3.1 innings in late May, Horton turned things on and turned into the star the college baseball world saw in Omaha.

Ultimately, Horton finished his redshirt freshman season with a 4.86 ERA, and he struck out 64 batters compared to 15 walks. In his final five appearances of the season, though, Horton had an impressive ERA of 2.59.

Even though Oklahoma didn’t finish the season how it wanted to, the Sooners can at least go into next season knowing that Horton is ready to step up as a key part of the rotation.