Game Details:
No. 9 Oklahoma (20-3, 4-2 SEC) vs. Oral Roberts (15-8, 4-2 Summit League)
Date: Tuesday, March 25
Time: 6 p.m. CT
Location: Chapman Park, Tulsa, Okla.
TV: Summit League Network
Radio: 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF, The Varsity App
The ninth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners are set for a midweek road game against in-state opponent Oral Roberts. The Sooners have been on a tear to begin their inaugural season in the SEC, already securing two conference series wins and a pair of top-10 nonconference victories. Coming off a hard-fought series win over Mississippi State, OU looks to maintain momentum as they face an ORU squad that has been tough at home this season.
Scouting Oklahoma
Oklahoma enters the matchup with a 20-3 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in SEC play. The Sooners’ season has been highlighted by dominant pitching performances, timely hitting, and an aggressive approach on the base paths. OU’s pitching staff ranks among the nation’s best with a 4.10 team ERA, while their offense is batting .299 as a team and has launched 27 home runs in 23 games.
Pitching Strengths
Leading the way on the mound for the Sooners is preseason All-SEC right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, who has been a strikeout machine this season. The Golden Spikes Award watchlist honoree is 5-1 with a 1.80 ERA and ranks among the top pitchers nationally with 58 strikeouts in just 35.0 innings. His ability to limit walks (only seven this season) has been a key factor in OU’s pitching success.
The bullpen has also been a major asset, anchored by closer Dylan Crooks, who leads the SEC with seven saves. Crooks has been nearly untouchable in 2025, posting a 0.55 ERA in 16.1 innings. OU’s deep bullpen has struck out 114 batters while allowing just 40 walks.
Offensive Firepower
At the plate, Oklahoma’s lineup has been producing in key moments, with several hitters making significant contributions.
- Trey Gambill leads the team in batting average at .356 with a .519 on-base percentage.
- Jaxon Willits has showcased his power with a team-leading seven home runs and 23 RBIs. He’s been especially hot in recent games, homering three times in his last six outings.
- Easton Carmichael, a returning All-American, continues to be a clutch performer, leading the team with 13 extra-base hits and 25 RBIs.
- Kyle Branch, a standout freshman, has hit .337 with seven extra-base hits and 18 RBIs in his first collegiate season.
Oklahoma also brings speed to the table, ranking eighth in the nation with 64 stolen bases. Seven Sooners have at least five stolen bases this season, with Kyle Branch and Dawson Willis leading the way with 10 each. The Sooners’ aggressive approach on the bases has helped them manufacture runs in crucial situations.
Scouting Oral Roberts
Oral Roberts comes into this matchup with a 15-8 record and a 4-2 mark in the Summit League. The Golden Eagles are coming off an impressive series sweep over Omaha, where they dominated on both sides of the ball, outscoring their opponent 25-4 over the three games.
Pitching Outlook
ORU’s pitching staff has been solid this season, posting a 4.50 team ERA. Tuesday’s probable starter, Luke Puffinbarger, enters with an 0-1 record and a 5.40 ERA in limited action this year. The Golden Eagles have relied on strong starts from Easton Teel, who tossed seven innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts in his last outing, and Nathan Love, who threw six scoreless innings in his most recent start. While neither are expected to pitch in this midweek game, their performances have provided momentum for the ORU staff.
Offensive Leaders
At the plate, Oral Roberts has several key contributors, including:
- Jacob Godman, who leads the team in batting average at .356.
- Alec Jones, the team’s power threat with five home runs and 22 RBIs.
- Luke Zapp, who has provided a steady presence in the lineup with a .320 average and 12 extra-base hits.
The Golden Eagles have struggled at times against top-tier pitching, but they have proven they can take advantage of scoring opportunities, averaging 7.1 runs per game this season.
Series History and What’s at Stake
Oklahoma holds the all-time series edge over Oral Roberts with a 46-38 record. However, ORU has been a tough opponent in Tulsa, leading the series at home 21-14. The teams last met in the 2024 NCAA Norman Regional, where Oklahoma dominated with a 14-0 victory. Prior to that, ORU had won the previous matchup in Tulsa, 3-1.
This is the first of two meetings between the teams in 2025, with the rematch set for April 22 in Norman. A win for Oklahoma would continue their dominance in nonconference play and provide another solid road victory for their postseason resume. For Oral Roberts, a win over a top-10 opponent would be a huge statement as they prepare for Summit League play.
Keys to the Game
- Pitching Depth – With this being a midweek game, both teams will likely rely on their bullpens early. Oklahoma’s deep bullpen gives them an advantage, but Oral Roberts will need a strong outing from Puffinbarger to keep the game close.
- Limiting Free Passes – Walks and hit batters could be the difference in this game. OU’s pitching staff has been stingy in allowing free passes, while ORU will need to do the same against a patient Sooner lineup.
- Base Running – Oklahoma’s aggressive approach on the base paths could create problems for ORU’s pitchers and defense. If the Sooners can get runners on, expect them to put pressure on ORU with stolen base attempts.
- Timely Hitting – Both teams have hitters who can drive in runs in clutch moments. The team that capitalizes on scoring opportunities will have the upper hand.
Final Thoughts
This game presents an intriguing matchup between a top-10 Oklahoma team and an Oral Roberts squad that has been strong at home. The Sooners have the edge in pitching and depth, but ORU has the ability to pull off an upset if they can get a strong performance on the mound.
Oklahoma will look to continue their winning ways before heading to Tuscaloosa this weekend for a key SEC series against No. 12 Alabama. Meanwhile, Oral Roberts hopes to build momentum before resuming Summit League play.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m. CT at Chapman Park, with the game available to watch on the Summit League Network and listen on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF or The Varsity app.
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