The No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners secured the series win over the UCF Knights with a nail-biting 2-1 victory in game two on Saturday afternoon. This win wasn’t just any ordinary victory; it marked a monumental milestone for Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, who etched her name into the record books by becoming just the third NCAA softball coach to reach 1,500 career wins.
A Masterclass in Pitching
This game was a true pitcher’s duel, with both hurlers putting on a clinic. Oklahoma’s Kierston Deal was the picture of dominance, scattering a mere two hits over seven innings. She worked efficiently, needing just 92 pitches to shut down the UCF offense. Deal’s composure on the mound was evident, as she struck out four batters and limited the Knights to a single unearned run. Her performance improved her already impressive record to 11-1 for the season.
Historic Blast Ignites Sooners
Sooner shortstop Tiare Jennings provided the spark that ignited the Oklahoma offense. In the top of the fourth inning, Jennings launched a towering solo home run, her 90th career long ball. This historic blast cemented her place in NCAA softball lore, making her only the eighth player to reach this remarkable milestone. The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on Jennings, who electrified her teammates and sent a jolt of energy through the Sooner dugout.
UCF’s Willis Matches Deal Pitch for Pitch
UCF’s Sarah Willis wasn’t about to be outdone. She mirrored Deal’s brilliance in the circle, throwing a complete game of her own. Willis displayed exceptional control, allowing only two Sooner hits. Her repertoire of pitches kept the Oklahoma batters off balance, forcing them to work for every out. Despite her valiant effort, two runs in the fourth inning proved to be the difference.
Late Rally Falls Short
The Knights’ offense, held relatively quiet throughout the game, finally showed signs of life in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jada Cody reached base on an error, sparking a glimmer of hope for UCF. However, they could only manage one run, falling just short of a dramatic comeback.
Takeaways: A Day for the Ages
- Gasso’s Legacy Grows: Coach Patty Gasso’s 1,500th win is a crowning achievement in an already illustrious career. This milestone win serves as a testament to her dedication, coaching prowess, and the winning culture she’s built at Oklahoma.
- Dominant Pitching Performances: Both Kierston Deal and Sarah Willis delivered masterful pitching performances, showcasing the elite talent on the mound in this matchup.
- Series Secured, Championship Nears: The Sooners’ series win strengthens their grip on the Big 12 regular-season title. With each victory, Oklahoma inches closer to achieving their ultimate goal: a national championship.
Up Next
OU and UCF close their series on Sunday, April 28 with an 11 a.m. ET (10 a.m. CT) start. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU with radio coverage on 1560 AM/103.3 FM The Franchise 2.
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