Oklahoma Takes on Wichita State in Midweek Matchup
The second-ranked Oklahoma Sooners (35-3) take to the road for a midweek tilt against Wichita State (18-14) tonight. First pitch is slated for 6:00 PM CT with coverage on ESPN+.
The Sooners are coming off a surprising two-game series loss at No. 5 Texas, their first conference series defeat since 2011. Oklahoma will look to get back on track against a Shockers team that has dropped back-to-back conference series.
Series History Heavily Favors Oklahoma
The Sooners hold a dominant 54-7 advantage in the all-time series against Wichita State, including a perfect 13-0 mark in Wichita. Under Head Coach Patty Gasso, Oklahoma has swept Wichita State in 11 straight meetings, outscoring them 82-8 in those contests.
Sooner Slump?
Despite their lofty ranking, Oklahoma’s offense sputtered in Austin, mustering just seven runs in the series. The Sooners are looking to rediscover their potent attack, which leads the nation in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and walks.
Wichita State Boasts Offensive Firepower
While the Shockers have struggled with consistency, they possess a dangerous top of the order in CC Wong, Addison Barnard, and Taylor Sedlacek. Wong leads the team with a staggering .486 batting average and 11 home runs, while Barnard has smashed a team-high 14 homers.
Pitching Matchup
Oklahoma is expected to send Kelly Maxwell (11-1, 1.72 ERA) to the circle. Wichita State could counter with southpaw Alison Cooper (4-5, 4.91 ERA).
Key Players to Watch
- Oklahoma: Jayda Coleman (So., INF) – Hitting a scorching .536 with 9 home runs in her last 25 games.
- Oklahoma: Tiare Jennings (Sr., SS) – Riding a nine-game hitting streak with 15 runs scored and 5 home runs.
- Wichita State: CC Wong (Jr., 2B) – Leads the nation in batting average (.486) and boasts a team-high 11 home runs.
- Wichita State: Addison Barnard (Sr., OF) – Owns a career-high 83 home runs, the most in Wichita State and American Athletic Conference history.
Looking Ahead
Following the game, Oklahoma returns home for a weekend series against BYU before a crucial conference matchup with Oklahoma State next week.
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