Oct. 17, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Porlier returned to the field on Thursday, Oct. 16 and threw off the mound to live hitting for the first time in almost a year after undergoing surgery to repair a partial tear in the labrum of his right shoulder in the spring. 

Porlier threw 40-plus pitches to live hitters off the mound at L. Dale Mitchell Park prior to game three of the Red/White Series.  The last time Porlier saw live action was during the Red/White Series on Nov. 10, 2007.

"It felt good," said Porlier following the session.  "It has been awhile since I was able to do what I did today.  It's good to be back out on the field.  I am looking forward to getting back on the mound in the spring and helping out the team in anyway I can."

Porlier missed the entire 2008 season after he underwent successful surgery on March 13, 2008.

The Sugarland, Texas, native was 7-5 in 2007 and led the team with 99 strikeouts in 99 innings pitched.  Porlier was named a second team All-Big 12 selection after pitching most of the season as the Sooners' No. 1 starter.

"It's exciting to have him back on the mound, even if it is a controlled environment," said OU Head Coach Sunny Golloway.  "Stephen played an integral role for this team in 2007 and we look forward to seeing him back in uniform."

Click here to view video of some of the action from Thursday's practice session.

The Sooners will resume the Red/White Series on Friday at 4 p.m. with game four.  The Red team won 2-1 on Thursday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-game set. 

The fifth and final game, which marks the end of fall practice for OU, is slated for 10 a.m. on Saturday. 

Both games four and five will be played at the Sooners' home, L. Dale Mitchell Park, and are free and open to the public.