The No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners (22-0) are back on the road for the first time in 12 games as they take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (11-12) on Wednesday, March 12, at 5 p.m. in Tulsa. This matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs this season, as Oklahoma dominated the first contest with an 8-0 victory in Norman.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the action streaming live on ESPN+ or tune into the radio broadcast on 105.6 AM The Franchise 2. Live stats will also be available via StatBroadcast.com.
Recap of the Last Meeting
Oklahoma showcased its power in the first matchup against Tulsa on February 22, cruising to an 8-0 run-rule victory in five innings. Freshman Gabbie Garcia led the offensive charge with two hits and two runs, while fellow freshman Kasidi Pickering launched a three-run homer. Kierston Deal dominated in the circle, throwing four scoreless innings en route to the win. OU holds a commanding 49-10 all-time record over Tulsa.
Sooner Standouts
Gabbie Garcia: A Star in the Making
Freshman infielder Gabbie Garcia has been one of the hottest hitters in the country. She earned DISoftball Freshman of the Week and SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors after a scorching eight-game hitting streak. During that stretch, she homered in five consecutive games, a feat not accomplished by an OU freshman since Jocelyn Alo in 2018.
Winning the Close Ones
While Oklahoma has been dominant all season, the Sooners showed grit last weekend against No. 10 South Carolina, winning three consecutive one-run games. This marked the first time in program history OU secured three straight one-run victories against a ranked opponent.
Audrey Lowry’s Efficiency in the Circle
Freshman lefty Audrey Lowry delivered a statement performance against South Carolina, pitching a complete-game 2-1 victory with just 71 pitches. Lowry remains undefeated (5-0) with a 2.02 ERA and has been exceptional in limiting free passes, issuing only two walks in 27.2 innings.
Power and Patience at the Plate
Oklahoma continues to flex its offensive prowess, ranking among the nation’s best in power and plate discipline. The Sooners have launched 46 home runs, with 28 coming from newcomers.
Additionally, OU has drawn 126 walks, ranking third nationally. The Sooners have scored 60 runs this season via walks or hit-by-pitch, demonstrating their patient approach at the plate.
Balanced Pitching Staff
OU’s pitching staff has been stellar, with all five hurlers posting a sub-2.50 ERA. Kierston Deal, Sam Landry, Audrey Lowry, and Isabella Smith each have at least five wins, with Smith leading at 6-0. The staff has struck out 145 batters while issuing just 28 walks, maintaining an elite level of command and control.
Tulsa’s Outlook
Tulsa enters the matchup at 11-12, fresh off a conference series win against Memphis. Offensively, senior Celeste Wood leads the team with 20 RBIs and four home runs, while freshman Amber Turner has been a defensive standout behind the plate, throwing out seven runners attempting to steal.
In the circle, Maura Moore (8-5, 3.36 ERA) has been Tulsa’s ace, recording six complete games and 49 strikeouts across 68.2 innings.
OU Aims to Keep Rolling
As the Sooners take on Tulsa for their first true midweek game of the season, they’ll look to extend their undefeated streak to 23 games. With a dominant lineup, an elite pitching staff, and key contributions from newcomers, OU remains the team to beat in college softball.
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