Easton Carmichael played a pivotal role in the Oklahoma Sooners’ impressive victory over Nebraska, hitting two home runs and accumulating four RBIs. The Sooners, displaying an offensive blitz, recorded a season-matching high of 18 hits and secured a 17-1 win, advancing to the Chapel Hill Regional final. Cade Crossland was effective on the mound for Oklahoma, spreading five hits over seven innings, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
With this victory, Oklahoma (37-21) earned a spot against the No. 5 national seed, North Carolina, in Sunday night’s match. To progress to the super regionals for the first time since 2022, Oklahoma would need to win against North Carolina and then defeat the Tar Heels once more on Monday. Meanwhile, Nebraska (33-29) exited the regional with a 1-2 record in what was their second consecutive regional appearance.
The game saw Oklahoma capitalize quickly, establishing a 3-0 lead in the first inning thanks to two hits mixed with three Nebraska errors. Carmichael featured prominently in a subsequent six-run third inning with a homer to left field. His performance continued to shine with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, marking the highlight of a five-run eruption that put the Sooners up 15-0. Additionally, Sam Christiansen contributed with two of the team’s five doubles.
On the pitching front, Crossland (5-5) had his longest outing this season, striking out nine and holding Nebraska scoreless until an infield single by Dylan Carey resulted in an unearned run. Michael Catalano followed Crossland, allowing only one hit and a walk in the remaining innings. Nebraska’s starting pitcher, Will Walsh (4-8), struggled, conceding seven runs, five of which were earned, over two innings.