Keoni Painter hit a walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give BYU a 5-4 win over Oklahoma State and secure a Big 12 series victory at Miller Park on March 28.
The win allowed BYU to take the series against Oklahoma State two games to one. The Cougars improved their record to 13-13 overall and 4-5 in conference play, while Oklahoma State moved to 17-11 overall and 3-6 in conference games.
Painter entered the game as a substitute for an injured Crew McChesney in the seventh inning. With two outs in the ninth and Ezra McNaughton on second base, Painter hit a fastball over the centerfield wall for his team’s only home run of the day. The Cougars had been trailing by one run before Painter’s hit sealed their comeback victory.
BYU’s Nate Gray contributed with six strikeouts over six and two-thirds innings pitched. Other notable performances included McNaughton going three-for-five with an RBI and three doubles, Luke Anderson adding an RBI double, Ryder Robinson recording an RBI single, and Ryker Schow doubling off the top of the wall.
Oklahoma State took an early lead with runs scored in both the third inning and later through a solo home run in the eighth. However, BYU rallied late: Robinson singled home McNaughton for their first score in the sixth; Anderson doubled Schow home in the seventh; then McNaughton’s double drove Anderson across before Painter delivered his game-winning homer.
Looking ahead, BYU is set to host Kansas State at Miller Park on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with radio coverage available through multiple BYUradio platforms.
