Oklahoma baseball rallies past New Mexico State at Globe Life Field, stays unbeaten at 4-0

Game moved from Norman amid stadium construction delays

Oklahoma improved to 4-0 to open the 2026 season with a 10-6 win over New Mexico State on Monday, Feb. 16, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The matchup was shifted from Norman after winter weather delayed outfield construction work at Kimrey Family Stadium, prompting Oklahoma to move its originally scheduled home opener from Tuesday, Feb. 17, to the neutral-site setting.

Early mistakes put Sooners behind before a first-inning swing

For the first time this season, Oklahoma played from behind. New Mexico State scored two runs in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on an Oklahoma error and a wild pitch. The response was immediate and decisive: Oklahoma sent 10 batters to the plate in the bottom of the inning and scored five runs while recording just one hit.

The decisive factor in the first was plate discipline. Oklahoma’s first five hitters reached base via walk, and all five eventually scored. The inning established a tone that carried through the game: the Sooners did not consistently pile up hits, but they repeatedly created scoring chances by forcing New Mexico State pitchers into deep counts and free passes.

Oklahoma builds a cushion, then matches New Mexico State’s push

Oklahoma added two runs in the second inning on sacrifice flies by Jaxon Willits and Nolan Stevens, extending the lead to 7-2. New Mexico State narrowed the margin with a three-run third, but Oklahoma answered in the bottom half with three runs of its own to restore a five-run advantage.

After the third inning, neither team scored for four consecutive frames. New Mexico State pushed across a run in the eighth and loaded the bases in the ninth, bringing the tying run to the plate, but Oklahoma induced a groundout to end the game.

Walks and bullpen usage define the night

Oklahoma scored 10 runs on seven hits and drew 12 walks. Outfielder Cayden Brumbaugh recorded two hits to lead the Sooners, while Brendan Brock drew three walks. On the mound, Oklahoma used eight pitchers. Starter Drew Rerick worked one inning, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and three walks, and Jason Bodin was the only Sooner to pitch more than one inning, covering the seventh and eighth.

New Mexico State also leaned heavily on its bullpen, using five pitchers. Starter Matthew Yarc was charged with the loss after facing three batters without recording an out.

• Final score: Oklahoma 10, New Mexico State 6
• Date/site: Feb. 16, 2026 — Globe Life Field (Arlington, Texas)
• Oklahoma record: 4-0

What comes next

Oklahoma is set to open its home schedule this weekend with a series against Coppin State at Kimrey Family Stadium, as construction work continues toward game readiness in Norman.

Oklahoma’s unbeaten start has been driven as much by strike-zone control as by power production, with Monday’s 12-walk performance providing the clearest early example.