After stepping into a starting role, Mariah Lopez proved capable of anchoring this program in the early going. Earning two wins in the circle, the Sooner was named the Big 12 Pitch of the Week. The effort marks the second such occasion for the now junior over the course of her career at Oklahoma.
🥎 Two one-hit shutouts
🥎 Two games with double-digit Ks
🥎 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA
🥎 .051 opponent batting averageFollowing an impressive opening weekend, @Mariahjordannn has been named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week!
➡️ https://t.co/NhTN1GBbKT pic.twitter.com/92lEuBfvap
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) February 12, 2019
Tossing two complete games, Lopez recorded consecutive one-hit shutouts in the GCU Kickoff Tournament while helping OU secure a 4-0 start to the season. Striking out twenty-two total batters in the ten innings of work, the rising star current posted an impressive 0.51 opponent batting average. Averaging 12.83 strikeouts per seven innings pitched, Lopez currently paces the rest of the conference hurlers.
This is simply the beginning for the current pitching staff on the Oklahoma roster. Heading to the St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational this week, the No. 3 Sooners will face stout competition. With No. 18 Kentucky and No. 1 Florida State waiting in the wings, this invitational should provide valuable information for where each of these programs stands at the moment.