The Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma Sooners have a long-standing rivalry in baseball, with both teams consistently competing at a high level in the Big 12 Conference. The two teams have a rich history of thrilling matchups, and their games against each other are always highly anticipated events.
The Red Raiders and Sooners have been playing each other since 1997, when the Big 12 Conference was formed. Since then, the two teams have played each other a total of 134 times, with the Sooners holding a slight edge in the all-time series, 71-63. However, the Red Raiders have had their fair share of successes against their rivals, including a few dramatic come-from-behind victories.
Recent Matchups
In recent years, the Red Raiders and Sooners have had some thrilling matchups. In 2019, the two teams played a three-game series at Rip Griffin Park in Lubbock, Texas, with the Red Raiders taking two out of three games. The series was marked by strong pitching performances from both teams, with the Red Raiders' Micah Dallas throwing a complete game shutout in the series opener.
In 2020, the Sooners exacted some revenge, taking two out of three games from the Red Raiders in Norman, Oklahoma. The series was highlighted by a thrilling comeback win by the Sooners in the series finale, with Oklahoma scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win 5-4.
Notable Games
There have been many notable games between the Red Raiders and Sooners over the years. One of the most memorable games was in 2016, when the two teams played a thrilling 11-inning game at Rip Griffin Park. The Red Raiders eventually won the game 4-3, but not before the Sooners had rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning.
Another notable game was in 2018, when the Red Raiders and Sooners played a game that will be remembered for years to come. The game was played at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, and it was a part of the Big 12 Conference tournament. The Red Raiders won the game 2-1, but not before the Sooners had threatened to take the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Big 12 Conference Tournament
The Red Raiders and Sooners have also had some memorable matchups in the Big 12 Conference tournament. In 2019, the two teams played each other in the championship game, with the Red Raiders emerging victorious 4-2.
Player Performances
There have been many standout player performances in the Texas Tech-Oklahoma baseball rivalry over the years. One of the most notable performances was by Red Raiders' pitcher Davis Martin, who threw a complete game shutout against the Sooners in 2019.
Another notable performance was by Sooners' outfielder Steele Walker, who hit a home run and drove in three runs in a 2018 game against the Red Raiders.
Awards and Honors
Both the Red Raiders and Sooners have had their fair share of awards and honors over the years. In 2019, the Red Raiders' Micah Dallas was named the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week after throwing a complete game shutout against the Sooners.
In 2020, the Sooners' Cade Cavalli was named the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week after throwing a complete game shutout against the Red Raiders.
Coaching Rivalry
The Texas Tech-Oklahoma baseball rivalry also extends to the coaching staff. Red Raiders' head coach Tim Tadlock and Sooners' head coach Skip Johnson have a long history of competing against each other, dating back to their days as assistant coaches in the Big 12 Conference.
Tadlock and Johnson have a deep respect for each other, but they also have a fierce competitive streak. Their matchups against each other are always highly anticipated events, with both coaches looking to outmaneuver each other on the field.
Recruiting Rivalry
The Red Raiders and Sooners also have a recruiting rivalry, with both teams competing for the top talent in the state of Texas and Oklahoma. The two teams have a long history of recruiting battles, with both teams looking to outdo each other in the recruiting wars.
Future Matchups
The Texas Tech-Oklahoma baseball rivalry will continue to be one of the most intense and competitive series in the Big 12 Conference. With both teams consistently competing at a high level, their matchups against each other will always be highly anticipated events.
The Red Raiders and Sooners will meet again in 2023, with the series scheduled to take place in Lubbock, Texas. The series will be a three-game set, with the games scheduled to take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Tech-Oklahoma baseball rivalry is one of the most intense and competitive series in the Big 12 Conference. With both teams consistently competing at a high level, their matchups against each other will always be highly anticipated events.
We hope you've enjoyed this article about the Texas Tech-Oklahoma baseball rivalry. If you have any thoughts or opinions on the rivalry, please leave a comment below.