UCF rallies from 6-0 down, survives late drama to beat Oklahoma State 12-11 in Big 12 opener

Knights erase early deficit, then hold off Cowboys' late comeback attempt in wild conference opener

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:21am

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UCF baseball erased a 6-0 deficit and held off Oklahoma State late for a wild 12-11 win Friday night in the Knights' Big 12 opener. The game was interrupted early by a scary incident where the home plate umpire was struck by a pitch and taken to the hospital. UCF's offense then erupted for seven runs in the fifth inning to take the lead, which they would hold on to despite a late Oklahoma State rally.

Why it matters

This win to open Big 12 play is a significant one for UCF, as they showed the ability to overcome adversity and defeat one of the conference's more talented teams. The comeback victory could provide a major boost of confidence for the Knights as they look to make their mark in their new league.

The details

UCF starter Braden Smith struggled after a lengthy delay following the umpire injury, allowing Oklahoma State to build a 6-0 lead. But the Knights chipped away, with Andrew Williamson hitting a solo homer in the fourth to make it 6-1. UCF then erupted for seven runs in the fifth, capped by a two-run single from Austin Jacobs, to take an 11-6 lead. Oklahoma State rallied late, scoring four runs in the seventh to make it 11-10, but UCF held on, adding an insurance run in the eighth before Kris Sosnowski recorded the final two outs for the save.

  • In the first inning, home plate umpire Brian Marine was struck by a pitch and taken to the hospital by ambulance.
  • UCF starter Braden Smith struggled after the lengthy delay, allowing Oklahoma State to build a 6-0 lead through the first two innings.
  • In the fourth inning, Andrew Williamson hit a solo home run to cut the deficit to 6-1.
  • UCF scored seven runs in the fifth inning to take an 11-6 lead.
  • Oklahoma State scored four runs in the seventh inning to make it 11-10 before UCF added an insurance run in the eighth.

The players

Braden Smith

UCF's Friday starting pitcher, who struggled after the lengthy delay following the umpire injury.

Andrew Williamson

UCF's junior right fielder, who hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to start the Knights' comeback.

Austin Jacobs

A redshirt freshman for UCF who delivered two clutch two-out, two-run singles to key the Knights' five-run fifth inning.

Kris Sosnowski

UCF's senior captain, who recorded the final two outs to earn the save and secure the Knights' 12-11 win.

Rich Wallace

UCF's head coach, who praised his team's resilience in overcoming the early deficit.

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What they’re saying

“We have all the confidence in Braden. He's our best pitcher for sure. That's why he's the Friday guy, so we're not concerned at all.”

— Kris Sosnowski, UCF senior captain

“We knew from the get-go, down six, we can come back and win. It's the second inning, and we come in, and we know we can hit with them, and we know we can hit with the best of them, so just chipping away and executing and just putting it all out there on the line.”

— Austin Jacobs, UCF redshirt freshman

“That looked like the old Sos, right? The guy we saw in '24 for most of it and early '25 before he got hurt.”

— Rich Wallace, UCF head coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.