Davis’ transition from reliever to starter fueling Sooners
NORMAN — The role of a Game 1 starter in college baseball still holds a significant level of novelty.
Braden Davis, a reliever turned starter, has embraced the opportunity and is having a breakout season as OU baseball’s (29-17, 18-6 Big 12) ace. In his last four Game 1 starts, he’s 4-0 with just four runs allowed and 35 strikeouts.
“It’s nice being in that role. I think a lot of the guys have confidence in me,” Davis said. “It’s nice to get off to a 1-0 start (in a series), but I mean really it’s the same mentality (as in the bullpen). Just trying to dominate.”
He’ll take the mound Friday night for the first game in a three-game slate with Baylor as the Sooners aim to keep rolling. OU is fresh off a sweep at Texas Tech last weekend.
Davis, a lefty, seems to improve with every start. The former closer who transferred from Sam Houston State has claimed two consecutive Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors.
“He’s very competitive and in control of himself,” Sooners coach Skip Johnson said. “He just started doing this, it’s not like he’s done it for three years. Braden’s had to learn a lot in a short period of time and that just tells you what is aptitude is like.”
Davis boasts an 8-4 record, 4.43 ERA and 84 strikeouts in 65 innings this season and is aiming for his fifth consecutive win at 6:30 p.m. Friday at L. Dale Mitchell Park on ESPN+.
As OU prepares for a Big 12 title race and postseason run, Johnson has found his unquestionable Game 1 starter. But he doesn’t let Davis know that.
“It is (an honor), but I try to keep him away from thinking that way,” Johnson said. “I want him to think selfless. It’s almost like the quarterback of the football team.”
Where OU, OSU stands in Big 12 standings
Johnson’s club holds a three-game lead for first place in the Big 12 with two conference series’ remaining.
Oklahoma State sits tied for second place with West Virginia and Texas at 15-9 in conference play. OSU hosts Texas Tech for a three-game series this weekend beginning at 6 p.m. Friday on ESPN+.