The second-ranked Oklahoma Sooners continued their dominant start to the 2025 season, rolling past Marshall and Kansas in run-rule victories on Friday at Love’s Field. OU opened the day with a 9-1 win over Marshall in five innings before cruising to another 9-1 victory over Kansas in six innings in the nightcap of the Oklahoma Omni Classic.
The Sooners improved to 16-0 on the season, showcasing a powerful lineup and stellar pitching performances in both games.
Game 1: Oklahoma 9, Marshall 1 (5 Innings)
The Sooners wasted little time responding after Marshall briefly took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Oklahoma answered in the bottom half with a sacrifice fly from Kasidi Pickering, setting the stage for a dominant offensive performance.
Pickering proved to be the star of the game, driving in four runs in four separate innings. She capped off the game with a walk-off RBI single in the fifth inning to secure the run rule.
Key Moments:
- Marshall Strikes First: Isabella Smith, who entered the game with 18 2/3 scoreless innings to start her OU career, gave up an early run after back-to-back two-out hits. However, she quickly settled in, finishing the game with five strong innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run while striking out two.
- Sooners Take the Lead: In the third inning, Pickering delivered an RBI single to right field to put OU ahead 2-1. Nelly McEnroe-Marinas followed with a two-run double down the third-base line to extend the lead to 4-1.
- Big Fifth Inning: Tia Milloy launched a two-run homer over the right-field wall, her fourth of the season and first at Love’s Field. Ella Parker added a sacrifice fly, and Pickering’s bases-loaded single sealed the 9-1 victory.
Stat Leaders:
- Kasidi Pickering: 2-for-2, 4 RBIs
- Tia Milloy: 1-for-1, HR, 2 RBIs
- Isabella Smith (W, 5-0): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
With the win, OU moved to 15-0 and turned its attention to the nightcap against Kansas.
Game 2: Oklahoma 9, Kansas 1 (6 Innings)
Oklahoma met a familiar foe in Kansas for the second game of the day. In their first meeting since leaving the Big 12, the Sooners picked up right where they left off, dominating the Jayhawks for their second run-rule win of the day.
Key Moments:
- Pitching Duel Early: Sam Landry (5-0) started in the circle for Oklahoma and delivered another impressive performance, striking out eight batters while allowing just one run on six hits over 5.1 innings.
- Big Third Inning: The Sooners broke open a scoreless game in the third. Cydney Sanders executed a perfect squeeze bunt to bring home Abby Dayton, and McEnroe-Marinas followed with a three-run home run to right field, giving OU a 4-0 lead.
- Kansas Responds, OU Fires Back: Kansas plated a run in the fourth, but Oklahoma immediately responded with two-run homers from Isabella Emerling and Ella Parker, pushing the lead to 8-1.
- Game-Winning Swing: Parker put the finishing touches on the win with an RBI double down the left-field line in the sixth, securing another run-rule victory.
Stat Leaders:
- Ella Parker: 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBIs
- Isabella Emerling: 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBIs
- Nelly McEnroe-Marinas: 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBIs
- Sam Landry (W, 5-0): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 8 K
With the win, OU extended its winning streak to 16 games, while Kansas fell to 8-6.
Postgame Reactions & Takeaways
Head coach Patty Gasso praised her team’s ability to capitalize in key moments, despite some early missed opportunities.
“To run-rule both teams, that’s a big deal here,” Gasso said. “There are parts of our game that might be a little bit slow, but we started to pick it up, and I liked what I saw today.”
OU’s offensive depth was on full display, with eight different players contributing hits across both games. Pickering’s 22 RBIs lead the team, while Parker and Milloy continue to provide power at the plate.
What’s Next?
The Sooners return to action on Saturday afternoon for another doubleheader, facing Kansas again at 3:15 p.m. followed by a rematch with Marshall. The weekend wraps up with a Sunday showdown against Kansas City at 1:45 p.m.
Next weekend, OU opens SEC play with a highly anticipated three-game home series against South Carolina.
With another dominant showing on Friday, Oklahoma continues to prove why it’s one of the most dangerous teams in college softball.
Stay tuned for more coverage as the Sooners chase yet another national title in 2025!
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