ATHENS, Ga. — In an intense match-up on Sunday night, Duke University overcame a deficit to outscore Oklahoma State 3-2 and win the Athens Regional, thanks to a critical eighth inning surge spearheaded by Sam Harris. Harris’s pivotal single drove in runners from first and second, culminating in a three-run flourish that cemented Duke’s victory. With this win, Duke (40-19) advances to the super regionals for the fourth time in the school’s history.
The Blue Devils had been trailing 2-0 before AJ Gracia delivered a powerful performance, launching a 422-foot home run over the left-center field wall. This marked Gracia’s 14th home run of the season, injecting life back into the team’s offensive efforts.
Pitching proficiency played a crucial role in Duke’s triumph. Reid Easterly (9-2) closed out the game by retiring all six batters he faced in the final two innings. Easterly showcased his skill with two strikeouts, securing the win for his team.
Oklahoma State (30-25) exhibited commendable efforts on the mound with freshman Noah Wech making a promising start. Wech recorded five strikeouts across six innings, allowing only five hits along the way. However, Ryan Ure (2-5) was attributed with the loss in this engaging encounter.
Earlier, Oklahoma State’s Kollin Ritchie had made significant impacts during the fourth inning. Ritchie’s fifth homer of the regional sent the ball crashing into the light pole in right field, giving Oklahoma State a temporary 2-0 advantage. Ritchie added more to his highlight reel with an outstanding defensive play, leaping to rob Tyler Albright of a potential home run by catching the ball over the center-field wall.