WATCH: Oklahoma answers Ole Miss home run, takes lead in seventh
After Ole Miss hit a home run in the sixth to take a 1-0 lead in the College World Series on Sunday, Oklahoma was ready with its answer. With two on and two out, Sooners infielder Jackson Nicklaus sent a ball flying high to shallow left field.
The Rebels did their best to locate the ball, but were unable to get to it in time as it dropped in front of shortstop Jacob Gonzalez. Nicklaus recorded an RBI double out of the whole ordeal as Jimmy Crooks came in for the first run of the inning to tie the game.
Following that double, Ole Miss pulled pitcher Hunter Elliott in favor of Mason Nichols. However, Nichols hit Sebastian Orduno with a pitch to load the bases immediately after before then walking the next batter to allow Oklahoma to take a 2-1 lead.
That brought John Spikerman to the plate with the bases still loaded, but he struck out on a full count to end the inning. Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Sooners will do what they can to protect their lead.
Oklahoma has run taken away after controversial challenge by Ole Miss
The second game of the CWS found itself with major drama after the first run of the game was taken away from Oklahoma by a challenge. John Spikerman made a great squeeze play with a bunt that rolled softly towards the pitcher, bringing home the runner on third base and forcing the pitcher to make a tough throw to first base.
Unfortunately for Oklahoma, Spikerman drifted inside the base path on his run to first and the throw hit him as he reached base safely — prompting a challenge from Ole Miss for interference. Replay showed the ball travel to a difficult position for first baseman Tim Elko to catch the ball, but confirmed that Spikerman ran inside the base path. Spikerman was ruled out via interference — resulting in a terrible break for the Sooners as it took both base runners back to their original positions.
The result of the play was a nearly-guaranteed run to take a 1-0 lead being taken away, leaving the game tied at 0-0. The next batter flied out harmlessly for the final out of the inning, leaving the runners stranded on base and Oklahoma fans angry at the ruling.
As the ESPN broadcast team explained, the letter of the ruling was correct in their opinion — although the result was an unfair break for the runner who would have scored easily.
On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.