Cowboys shortstop hits 3 home runs, leading Oklahoma State to 10-6 win over Alabama in NCAAs

Belza’s three homers leads Oklahoma State

CLEMSON, S.C. — Shortstop Tom Belza hit three homers, one more than he had all season, to lead Oklahoma State to a 10-6 victory over Alabama in the NCAA tournament on Friday.

The third-seeded Cowboys (33-22) did not qualify for the eight-team Big 12 Conference tournament and their selection for the NCAA tournament was criticized.

Belza and Oklahoma State put that to rest quickly at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, taking an 8-0 lead by the third inning. Belza hit all of his long-balls by the fifth.

Alabama (37-20) got within three runs but couldn’t tie the game.

Oklahoma State starter Tyler Lyons (7-5) gave up six runs on 10 hits for the victory. Randy McCurry worked the final 3 1-3 innings for his 10th save.

Austin Hyatt (8-3) took the loss for the Crimson Tide.