Skip Johnson is turning heads with his pitching decision for 2-seed Oklahoma‘s opening game in the Chapel Hill Regional against 3-seed Nebraska.
Johnson is going with Malachi Witherspoon against the Huskers. The move means ace Kyson Witherspoon will potentially be available for a winner’s bracket game with Regional host and 1-seed North Carolina, the No. 5 national seed.
Starters set for Nebraska-Oklahoma baseball in the regional opener:LHP Jackson Brockett (4-3, 3.41 ERA) vs. RHP Malachi Witherspoon (3-8, 5.53)
— Evan Bland (@EvanBlandOWH) May 28, 2025A 6-3, 211-pound right-hander, Malachi Witherspoon has made 14 starts in 2025. He has pitched 68.1 innings, allowing 55 runs (42 earned). Opponents have a .270 batting average facing Witherspoon, logging 75 hits and 30 walks to give him a WHIP of 1.54. Witherspoon has a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 82-30 for the season.
Johnson appears to be counting on Witherspoon to replicate his last start, a strong outing against Texas on May 17. Against the Longhorns, Witherspoon went 6.1 IP, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 10.
Twin brother Kyson Witherspoon is considered one of the top college pitchers in the 2025 MLB Draft class. Over 15 starts, Witherspoon has thrown 91 IP, allowing 30 runs (25 earned). Opponents have a .191 batting average, logging 63 hits and 20 walks, giving the OU ace a WHIP of 0.91. Witherspoon has a K-BB ratio of 120-20 in his spectacular season, sporting a 2.47 ERA and 10-3 record.
The last team standing in the double-elimination Chapel Hill Regional will advance to Super Regionals. It is advantageous to win the first 2 games and avoid playing extra elimination games. Johnson is trying for a 2-0 start, but if Malachi Witherspoon struggles against Nebraska, the skipper may be criticized for not using his ace in the first game.
Oklahoma and Nebraska are set to play at 5 p.m. ET on Friday.
Skip Johnson makes bold decision with Oklahoma’s starting pitcher vs. Nebraska in Chapel Hill Regional Saturday Down South.
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