OU baseball suffers first loss of the season

Sooners run-ruled 15-3 by Arizona State in midweek matchup

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Oklahoma Sooners baseball team suffered its first loss of the 2026 season on Tuesday, falling 15-3 to the visiting Arizona State Sun Devils in a run-rule shortened game. The Sun Devils pounded out 15 hits, including six doubles and four home runs, to overwhelm the Sooners pitching staff.

Why it matters

The loss snaps Oklahoma's hot start to the season and raises questions about the team's ability to bounce back from a lopsided defeat. As a top program, the Sooners will be expected to respond well and avoid letting this become a trend.

The details

Oklahoma starter Michael Catalano struggled, giving up eight runs in the second inning. The Sun Devils scored six more in the third to take a commanding lead. Despite a home run from Nolan Stevens to cut the deficit to 8-2, Arizona State responded with four more runs. In total, the Sun Devils had 10 extra-base hits, including six doubles and four home runs. The Sooners committed three errors and managed just three hits in the loss.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Oklahoma will look to split the midweek series when they face Arizona State again on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Michael Catalano

The Oklahoma starting pitcher who struggled, giving up eight runs in the second inning.

Nolan Stevens

The Oklahoma right fielder who hit a home run to cut the deficit to 8-2 in the game.

Landon Hairston

The Arizona State player who hit two home runs in the game.

Skip Johnson

The Oklahoma head coach who discussed the team's struggles, saying they were "trying too hard" instead of just playing baseball.

Dayton Tockey

The Oklahoma player who struck out with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, a missed opportunity to get back in the game.

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What they’re saying

“Not to try so hard. (Michael) Catalano was trying to make them swing and miss. Overcompeting. Couldn't throw a secondary pitch for a strike. That's what is going to happen to ya especially against a good baseball team.”

— Skip Johnson, OU Head Coach (on3.com)

“They took advantage of some walks. Then they got some big hits. We had a chance to flip the script on them and we didn't get the hits because we tried really hard to change the score instead of just having a good at-bat.”

— Skip Johnson, OU Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Oklahoma will turn to left-handed pitcher Gavyn Jones on the mound, looking to split the midweek series with Arizona State. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The takeaway

This lopsided loss is a wake-up call for the Sooners, who will need to refocus and avoid trying too hard in order to bounce back. As a top program, Oklahoma is expected to respond well and show it can recover from a tough defeat against a quality opponent like Arizona State.