Major Boost as Oklahoma Pitcher Out for Friday’s Game Against Vanderbilt

Oklahoma’s Kyson Witherspoon Ruled Out for Friday’s Matchup vs. Vanderbilt

Oklahoma’s top pitcher, right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, will not be available for Friday night’s series opener against No. 17 Vanderbilt, according to the team’s Student-Athlete Availability Report.

The highly anticipated matchup between No. 19 Oklahoma and Vanderbilt was expected to feature a marquee pitching showdown, but the Sooners will be without their ace. Per D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers, Witherspoon is dealing with back spasms but is expected to recover soon. There’s still a chance he could pitch later in the series on Saturday or Sunday.

Oklahoma has yet to name a replacement starter for Friday. Left-hander Cade Crossland is currently scheduled to pitch Saturday’s game and may be moved up in the rotation. However, that would be a significant drop-off statistically.

Witherspoon ranks seventh nationally in strikeouts with 68 and holds a 5-2 record with a 2.40 ERA over 45 innings, while limiting opponents to a .199 batting average. Crossland, by comparison, is 1-2 with a 7.06 ERA, 35 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a .282 opponent batting average.

Some pitching news: @OU_Baseball RHP Kyson Witherspoon, the No. 6 prospect in the @d1baseball College 100, will have his start pushed back a day after dealing with some back spasms over the past 24 hours. He's fine, but #Sooners want him to go through usual routine. #MLBDraft

— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) April 11, 2025

On the Vanderbilt side, right-hander Hudson Barton is listed as out, and England Bryan is questionable for Friday’s game. Outfielder Riley Nelson, who missed Tuesday’s game against Dayton, was not listed on the report and is expected to be available.

The three-game series begins under the lights Friday night on the SEC Network. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

Weekend Series Schedule:

• Game 1: Friday, 7 p.m. (SEC Network)

• Game 2: Saturday, 4 p.m. (SECN+)

• Game 3: Sunday, 2 p.m. (SECN+)