Throughout the duration of her tenure at the University of Oklahoma, Patty Gasso has consistently thrown challenges at her ballclub. This week, the back-to-back National Champions step out of conference to play in the northwest part of the United States. As the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners take to the road, the team will be subjected once more to a test from the head coach.
Squaring off in the northwest with the No. 4 Oregon Ducks, the two programs previously met in the 2017 Women’s College World Series. On the road to the National Championship, the Sooners eliminated the Ducks from contention. However, these programs have changed and adapted despite familiar lineups. Needless to say, this contest will provide a good barometer for both on how they stack up against the rest of the country.
Oklahoma has not lost a true road game since 2016. Possessing some formidable sluggers in Jocelyn Alo and Shay Knighten, the program current boasts a .339 batting average. The number ranks fourth in the country However, the most impressive number comes in the form of a 1.02 ERA which ranks second in the country. Currently, Paige Parker sports a .73 ERA while her partner in crime, Paige Lowary stands at .80 in the statisical category.
On the other side of the equation, the Ducks boast a 1.08 ERA as a program. Led by Miranda Elish’s .85 mark, Megan Kleist comes in just behind with a .86 ERA. The two have helped produce a 34-7 overall record while Oregon continues to pursue the Washington Huskies in the PAC-12 race. At the plate, the Ducks sport a .318 batting average. The numbers puts the Ducks inside the top twenty at No. 18 in the statisical category.
With a 30-game win streak on the line, Oklahoma faces Oregon in Eugene at 4PM on Thursday.