Oklahoma

OU Baseball: Missed Opportunities Doom Oklahoma as Connecticut Takes Regional Matchup

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2024

OU Baseball: Missed Opportunities Doom Oklahoma as Connecticut Takes Regional Matchup

NORMAN — On Saturday night, the Connecticut Huskies quelled Oklahoma’s offensive firepower, downing the Sooners 4-1.

OU’s stunning loss came just one day after Skip Johnson’s team demolished Oral Roberts 14-0 in their first game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma’s offense could not be slowed down against the Golden Eagles, as the Sooners notched seven extra base hits while nine of the team’s 10 batters reached base.

In Saturday night’s contest against the Huskies, however, OU’s ferocious offense disappeared, as the Sooners tallied just one run and three extra base hits. After falling behind 1-0 in the third inning, Oklahoma had multiple chances to score and tie the game, but were unable to string together any consistency in the batter’s box.

“Stephen Quigley pitched really good tonight, we hit a lot of balls hard in that game right at guys,” Johnson said after the game. “I thought our guys battled all night long. … That’s baseball, hats off to them, and maybe this is just part of the story.”

In the top of the fourth inning, senior infielder Michael Snyder hit a one-out double down the left field line, but Huskies senior right hander Stephen Quigley retired Jackson Nicklaus and Scott Mudler in the next two at-bats to shut down the Sooners’ scoring chances.

With two outs in the top of the fifth inning, junior outfielder John Spikerman doubled down the right field line, but senior outfielder Bryce Madron grounded out to once again end OU’s at-bat with a runner left in scoring position.

Just two innings later, Mudler hit a one-out single that once again gave Johnson’s team an opportunity to get in rhythm on offense, but sophomore utility Rocco Garza-Gongora lined into a double play in the following at-bat to send the Sooners’ defense back onto the field.

“He threw the backdoor slider and rammed the fastballs in, made some really quality pitches,” Johnson said. “We hit some balls hard, I want to say 14 balls that we had quality at-bats on and hit balls, line drive outs. He did a great job and they played great defense.”

Garza-Gongora got the start for OU in place of senior Anthony Mackenzie, who suffered an injury against ORU and will likely be unavailable on Sunday as well.

Even in the eighth, when senior outfielder Kendall Pettis hit a solo home run to leadoff the inning, the Sooners next three batters were retired in order as Oklahoma continued to struggle on offense.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Sooners had one more chance to get back into the game, as Willits and Snyder walked to put the tying run at the plate with no outs. Just as Connecticut had all game, however, the Huskies were able to get out the jam to escape the Regional Semifinal with a victory.

“There were some quality at-bats right there,” Johnson said. “I think we had a six-pitch walk and had a five-pitch walk with Snyder and, I mean, (Jackson Nicklaus) hit a two-run homer just last week to take the lead and he swung at a pitch and popped it up (on Saturday). You know, and then Rocco (Garza-Gongora) had a battle and got out. … That’s part of it.”

The offensive letdown is a surprise for Johnson’s squad, who has been held under two runs just three times all year. After Easton Carmichael, Willits and Nicklaus all recorded hits against Oral Roberts on Friday night, the trio went a combined 0-for-11 at the plate against the Huskies.

Quigley’s solid outing on the mound was a key contributor to the Sooners’ offensive struggles. While the senior right hander only tallied two strikeouts and allowed seven hits, he finished with just one walk and one earned run.

“He just pitched a good game,” Pettis said. “Like Skip said, we had a lot of hard hit balls, you know, it’s baseball. It just didn’t fall, it literally just did not fall. We had a lot of good ABs a lot of line drives, but nothing was falling.”

WIth the loss, OU will play an elimination game against Duke at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon from L. Dale Mitchell Park. If Oklahoma wins, the Sooners will get a rematch with Connecticut at 8 p.m. with a chance to extend the Norman Regional to Monday.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026

Published

7 hours ago

June 29, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma Ford Sports Blitz: June 28, 2026

In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.

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Oklahoma

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Published

17 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.

Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

Date: July 3-4
Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

Date: July 4
Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

Date: July 4
Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

Published

1 day ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing

03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing

03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing

3-6-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing

15-17-20-25-26

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing

02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing

26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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