Get ready for an exciting baseball showdown! The Oklahoma Sooners, fresh off their impressive win in Bedlam, are set to take on the No. 10 TCU Horned Frogs in a thrilling weekend series. But here's the twist: Oklahoma has other plans, and they're aiming for yet another dominant victory with a 10+ run lead!
The 2026 Shriners Children's College Showdown is packed with action and drama. TCU started strong, defeating No. 7 Arkansas and opening their season with a win over No. 23 Vanderbilt. However, their momentum came to a halt when Oklahoma's powerful offense took center stage.
In the final game of the weekend, Oklahoma's bats were on fire, and their defensive strategies were top-notch. The Sooners secured an 11-2 victory over TCU, showcasing their dominance.
Let's dive into the key moments of this thrilling game:
Bottom of the 7th: Oklahoma 11, TCU 2
- Kyle Branch opened with a lead-off single, setting the tone for the inning.
- Deiten Lachance hit a walk-off line drive to left field, which Eaton couldn't handle, bringing in Kyle Branch and securing the Shriners Showdown title for Oklahoma.
Top of the 7th: Oklahoma 11, TCU 2
- Dasan Harris entered the game as a defensive replacement for Nolan Stevens in right field.
- OU's pitching was on point, with Jones striking out three batters in a row.
- Camden Johnson made a crucial play, throwing out a batter at first base.
Bottom of the 6th: Oklahoma 11, TCU 2
- Willits walked to start the inning, and Stevens hit a fly ball to center, but Strosnider made an impressive catch.
- Brock struck out swinging, but Gambill walked for the second time this inning.
- Ethan Thomas found the third out, striking out Tockey.
Top of the 6th: Oklahoma 11, TCU 2
- With a ten-run lead, the game was in run rule territory, but Oklahoma needed to reach the 7th inning first.
- Gavyn Jones, a left-handed junior from Texas, relieved Cord Rager, who had an impressive debut with 5 IP and 8 Ks.
- TCU's Brunson hit a hard single to left field, but Brunson advanced to third on a wild pitch, scoring Strosnider for TCU's first run since the opening inning.
Bottom of the 5th: Oklahoma 11, TCU 1
- Brendan Brock, with an RBI and two steals earlier in the game, continued his impressive performance.
- After a controversial call, Brock stole second and advanced to third on a wild throw.
- Kyle Branch hit a three-run home run, giving Oklahoma a commanding 10-run lead.
Top of the 5th: Oklahoma 7, TCU 1
- Rager kept his spot on the mound, and Nolan Traeger kicked things off for TCU.
- Traeger hit a hard grounder, but Willits made the play at first.
- Rager walked Jack Arthur, but struck out Jack Bell to end the inning.
Bottom of the 4th: Oklahoma 7, TCU 1
- Trever Baumler, a sophomore from Iowa, replaced Lance Davis on the mound.
- Tockey struck out swinging, but Branch hit a solid fly ball to right center.
- Walk stole second and reached for the back of the bag, avoiding the tag.
- Traeger made an error, throwing the ball away at second base, allowing Walk to advance to third.
- Deiten Lachance smashed a double to left field, bringing in Walk and Johnson.
- Jaxon Willits followed with another double, scoring Lachance for OU's 7th run.
Top of the 4th: Oklahoma 4, TCU 1
- Chase Brunson hit a single, but Franco struck out swinging.
- Rager struck out Liddington Jr. with a fastball upstairs.
- Lechance threw a pick to second, and Brunson was called out stealing.
Bottom of the 2nd: Oklahoma 4, TCU 1
- Tocky flew out to right field, and Branch grounded out to second.
- Walk hit a deep line drive, and Camden Johnson followed with a beautiful home run to right field.
- Lachance hit a fly ball out to left field, giving OU a 3-run lead after two innings.
Top of the 2nd: Oklahoma 2, TCU 1
- Rager walked Lucas Franco, and Liddington Jr. stole second to put runners on 2nd and 3rd.
- Nolan Traeger sent up a sacrifice fly, scoring the first Horned Frogs run.
- Rager struck out Jack Bell to end the inning.
Bottom of the 1st: Oklahoma 2, TCU 0
- Oklahoma's offense was rolling, with Nolan Stevens hitting a single to center field, bringing Johnson home for the first run.
- Brendan Brock hit a solid ball to second base, leading home a second run.
- Trey Gambill grounded out to second, flipping the field.
Top of the 1st: Oklahoma 0, TCU 0
- Rager settled in, striking out Cole Cramer and Sawyer Strosnider.
- Three up, three down for the freshman Rager, as Oklahoma headed to bat.
This game had it all - impressive pitching performances, clutch hits, and defensive highlights. Oklahoma's victory over TCU was a testament to their skill and determination.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of the players' individual performances. From Cord Rager's outstanding debut to Deiten Lachance's walk-off hit, each player contributed to the team's success.
So, who do you think will be the star of the 2026 college baseball season? Will Oklahoma continue their winning streak, or will TCU bounce back? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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