One big swing changed Oklahoma State’s matchup with Arizona on Saturday.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Arizona’s Maddox Mihalakis would hit a three-run home run giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead, and that would be all they needed.
No. 24 Arizona (24-10, 9-5 Big 12) ended OSU’s (16-16, 5-7 Big 12) four-game conference win streak, defeating the Cowboys 5-1 on Saturday, evening the series at one game a piece.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
Quiet Bats Early
Only three Cowboys found their way on base in the first seven innings against Arizona.
Kollin Ritchie and Nolan Schubart accounted for all four of OSU’s hits in the first seven, with Ritchie picking up base hits in the fourth and sixth innings while Schubart singled in the first and sixth innings.
Donovan LaSalle found his way on base in the third after walking but would be put away just one batter later as Drew Culberson would ground into a double play.
With OSU unable to generate offense early, it would be facing an uphill challenge against the Wildcats bullpen.
Mario Pesca provides quality innings
On Saturday, Mario Pesca got his third start of the season, and he provided the Cowboys with a season-high seven innings of work.
Through his first five innings, Pesca allowed only two hits and struck out six batters.
Pesca’s lone mistake came in the sixth inning. With runners on the corners and two away in the frame, Pesca looked to get the final out of the inning and complete six scoreless.
Up stepped Arizona’s Maddox Mihalakis. Mihalakis got a hold of Pesca's 1-0 delivery, sending it over the right field wall, breaking the scoreless tie and giving the Wildcats the lead, something they wouldn’t squander.
Pesca pitched seven innings, giving up four runs, walking two and striking out seven.
Schubart picks up three hits
With no Braden Smith, who is on an 18-game hit streak, in the lineup, the Cowboys would need someone new to pick up hits.
Tonight, Schubart was that guy for the Cowboys. Schubart went 3-for-4 on the night, logging three singles.
Schubart logged his first three-hit game since a March 4 contest against Winthrop. He also picked up the lone RBI for OSU with his single in the eighth inning.
On a night where the Cowboys offense was cold, Schubart was able to provide some offense for OSU picking up three of its six hits.