Johnson Strikes Out Seven, Sooners Take Opener vs. Santa Clara

Thursday, March 5

6:30 p.m.

University of Oklahoma

12-2

Santa Clara

5-7

Santa Clara

Oklahoma

Johnson Strikes Out Seven, Sooners Take Opener vs. Santa Clara

March 05, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score Highlights Tickets

NORMAN — No. 12 Oklahoma took the series opener over Santa Clara, 2-1, Thursday evening at Kimrey Family Stadium in Norman.

OU starting left-handed pitcher Cameron Johnson struck out seven and allowed no earned runs on two hits and two walks.

The Sooners (12-2) scraped single runs across in the fifth and sixth to earn the victory. In the fifth, a bases-loaded walk drawn by pinch hitter Drew Dickerson pushed OU in front. The Broncos (5-7) tied the game at the top of the sixth on a single to center after a misplayed ball at second base allowed a runner to get into scoring position.

In the bottom of the sixth, a leadoff single from pinch hitter Gerardo Prado, his first hit of the season, followed by a double from Camden Johnson put the go-ahead run on third. Brendan Brock came through with an RBI groundout to plate Kyle Branch and give the Sooners a lead they would not relinquish.

The OU bullpen of Jaden Barfield, Kadyn Leon, Gavyn Jones and Jackson Cleveland finished the job, allowing a combined three hits, no runs, no walks and four K's. Leon (1-0) earnd his first win as a Sooner in relief in the sixth inning when OU took the lead. Cleveland earned his second save in as many games.

Pitchers of Record

Win: Cameron Johson (4-0)

Loss: RJ Meyn (1-1)

Statistical Snapshot

Drew Dickerson | 1-for-1, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Brendan Brock | 1-for-5, 1 RBI
Camden Johnson | 1-for-5, 1 2B
Cameron Johnson | 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Kadyn Leon | 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Jackson Cleveland | 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 SV

Notes

OU improved to 12-2 on the season and 8-2 at Kimrey Family Stadium.
It was OU's second win by one run on the season (2/25 vs. ASU)
The two runs tied for the lowest scoring output in a game this season (3/3 vs. DBU)
OU continued its streak of an extra-base hit in every game of the season with Camden Johnson's double.
Cameron Johnson has struck out at least seven in every start.
RHP Kadyn Leon earned his first win as a Sooner, throwing 1.2 innings of scoreless relief in the sixth and seventh as OU regained the lead for good.
Jackson Cleveland earned his second save in as many games after no OU pitcher had a save entering Tuesday's contest vs. DBU.
OU batters struck out a season-high 15 times Thursday night. SCU starter Max Bayles registered the most strikeouts for an opposing pitcher vs. the OU offense on the season with 10 K's.

Up Next

OU continues its series with Santa Clara Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. CT before a 2 o'clock start on Saturday and 1 p.m. finale Sunday.

The series can be seen on SECN+ and heard on 99.3 FM/1400 AM. Promotions include Youth Weekend, Happy Hour on Friday with $4 16oz. beer from gates opening until first pitch, and Sunday four-pack where families can get four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and a popcorn starting at $50.

Season and single game tickets for the 2026 season are available now on SoonerSports.com/tickets. For more information about Oklahoma baseball tickets, contact the OU Athletics Ticket Office at 405-325-2424, by email at outickets@ou.edu or by visiting SoonerSports.com/tickets.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma baseball, follow the Sooners on X and Instagram (@OU_Baseball) and like Oklahoma Baseball on Facebook.