No. 9 Oklahoma (21-3, 4-2 SEC) continues its inaugural SEC season with a three-game road series against No. 12 Alabama (20-5, 3-3 SEC) at Sewell-Thomas Stadium from March 28-30. The series will be streamed on SEC Network+ on Friday and Sunday, with Saturday’s game airing on SEC Network. Fans can tune in on 99.3 FM/1400 AM The REF or The Varsity App, with Toby Rowland and former Sooner Kendall Pettis on the call.
Sooners in Top Form
Oklahoma enters the weekend as one of the hottest teams in the country, winning 10 of its last 12 games. The Sooners are coming off back-to-back SEC series victories, taking two of three from both South Carolina and Mississippi State. Their 21-3 start marks their best opening to a season since 2017.
The Sooners have proven their mettle against ranked opponents, holding a 2-1 record against top-25 teams this season. A strong pitching staff, aggressive baserunning, and power at the plate have propelled OU into the SEC’s upper echelon.
Oklahoma’s Probable Pitching Rotation
- Friday: RHP Kyson Witherspoon (5-1, 1.80 ERA, 58 K, 7 BB)
- Saturday: LHP Cade Crossland (1-1, 7.85 ERA, 22 K, 12 BB)
- Sunday: RHP Malachi Witherspoon (2-1, 5.13 ERA, 27 K, 13 BB)
Kyson Witherspoon, a preseason All-SEC selection and Golden Spikes Award watch list honoree, leads the rotation. His ability to overpower hitters with a 14.91 K/9 rate will be crucial against an Alabama lineup that ranks among the SEC’s best. Malachi Witherspoon and Cade Crossland round out a staff that ranks 34th nationally in ERA (4.00) and has struck out 244 batters this season.
Crimson Tide Scouting Report
Alabama enters the series at 20-5 overall and 3-3 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide split their first two SEC series, taking two of three from Kentucky but dropping two of three to Tennessee. At home, Alabama has been dominant, boasting an undefeated 4-0 record against Oklahoma in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s Probable Pitching Rotation
- Friday: LHP Zane Adams (3-1, 3.29 ERA, 41 K, 8 BB)
- Saturday: RHP Bobby Alcock (4-0, 2.85 ERA, 39 K, 11 BB)
- Sunday: TBA
Adams and Alcock provide Alabama with a solid one-two punch, and their ability to limit walks will be tested against an Oklahoma lineup that thrives on plate discipline and speed.
Sooners’ Offensive Firepower
- Jaxon Willits leads the team with seven home runs, including three in his last seven games.
- Easton Carmichael paces OU with 26 RBIs and 13 extra-base hits.
- Trey Gambill boasts a team-high .371 batting average and .535 OBP.
- Kyle Branch, a freshman standout, is hitting .352 with nine extra-base hits and 19 RBIs.
- Dawson Willis leads OU in stolen bases (12), while the Sooners rank first in the SEC with 67 stolen bases.
Oklahoma has homered in 18 of 24 games and outscored opponents 183-105. The Sooners’ ability to manufacture runs through speed and power makes them one of the most dynamic offenses in the league.
Bullpen Strength
OU’s bullpen has been a force, led by closer Dylan Crooks (seven saves, 0.55 ERA). The Sooners’ relievers have posted a 122-to-42 strikeout-to-walk ratio and have given up just 44 earned runs in 24 games.
Series History
The Crimson Tide holds a 5-2 all-time advantage over the Sooners, including a 4-0 mark in Tuscaloosa. The last meeting came in 2018, when Oklahoma took two of three in a non-conference series in Norman. This will be the first time the two programs meet as SEC rivals.
Keys to the Series
- Starting Pitching Performance – Oklahoma’s rotation will be tested against an Alabama offense that has shown the ability to score in bunches. Kyson Witherspoon’s dominance on Fridays sets the tone for the weekend.
- Baserunning Aggression – The Sooners’ ability to steal bases has been a difference-maker all season. Alabama’s catchers will have their hands full trying to contain Oklahoma on the base paths.
- Bullpen Execution – With two teams evenly matched, late-game situations will be crucial. Dylan Crooks has been lights-out as OU’s closer, and his ability to lock down games could be the deciding factor.
- Power Production – Both teams can hit for power, but whichever team wins the home run battle may have the edge in the series.
What’s at Stake?
For Oklahoma, a series win would further solidify its position as a top-10 team and continue its strong start in SEC play. Alabama, looking to defend its home turf, seeks a statement win to climb in the rankings and gain momentum heading into the heart of the conference schedule.
Series Outlook
This weekend presents a crucial opportunity for Oklahoma to cement itself as a top contender in the SEC. A series win on the road against Alabama would further solidify their place in the conference standings. With a strong rotation, a high-powered offense, and a bullpen that can shut down games late, the Sooners have the tools to take another step forward in their debut SEC campaign.
Series Schedule
- Friday, March 28: 6 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)
- Saturday, March 29: 12 p.m. CT (SEC Network)
- Sunday, March 30: 1 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)
Stay tuned for what promises to be an intense and exciting top-15 matchup in Tuscaloosa.
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