Bedlam returns to the diamond in one of the final marquee midweek clashes of the regular season as No. 2 Oklahoma (34-3, 9-3 SEC) takes on No. 18 Oklahoma State (23-11, 5-5 Big 12) at Devon Park on Wednesday night. The game, set for a 7 p.m. first pitch, will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, with radio coverage on The Franchise 2 (1560 AM and 103.3 FM). It’s the 179th all-time meeting between the two in-state powers and the 29th time they’ve squared off in Oklahoma City.
While both programs have moved into new eras — Oklahoma joining the SEC and Oklahoma State continuing to assert itself as a Big 12 force — the rivalry hasn’t lost any of its edge. This latest installment in the Bedlam series pits two top-20 teams with postseason ambitions and star power on both sides.
A Storied Rivalry Renewed
The Sooners hold a commanding 104-74 advantage in the all-time series and have been especially strong in neutral-site meetings, leading 20-18. In games played in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma leads 17-11, including a win in their most recent meeting at Devon Park on May 14, 2022. The two teams last met in the 2024 regular season finale, where Oklahoma took the rubber game 8-2 thanks to home runs by Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering and a strong pitching performance from now-student assistant Karlie Keeney.
However, last year’s Bedlam series wasn’t all sunshine for the Sooners — Oklahoma State claimed a 2-1 series win in Norman, marking the Cowgirls’ first back-to-back victories at OU since 1997. The Cowgirls are hoping to replicate that success on Wednesday night in a neutral environment that will feel anything but neutral.
Spotlight on the Sooners
The Sooners come into Wednesday’s contest riding high after a dominant 6-0 win over UCF, powered by a grand slam from Ella Parker and a combined shutout from pitchers Sam Landry and Audrey Lowry. The pair didn’t allow an extra-base hit, showcasing the depth and versatility of Oklahoma’s pitching staff.
Sam Landry has been the anchor in the circle all season. The three-time SEC Pitcher of the Week has been nearly untouchable, ranking second among active Division I pitchers with a .779 winning percentage. Landry, along with veteran Isabella Smith, gives the Sooners two of the top five most experienced arms in college softball, combining for over 270 appearances.
On the offensive side, the Sooners are powered by a balanced lineup and contributions from both veterans and newcomers. Kasidi Pickering is one of the hottest hitters in the nation, riding a 13-game hitting streak and ranking third nationally in walks per game. From March 23 to March 30, she reached base in 15 consecutive at-bats — a stretch of dominance few can match.
Freshman Gabbie Garcia has been a revelation. The slugging infielder is tied for the team lead with 11 home runs, including a streak earlier this year where she homered in five straight games — the first Sooner freshman to do that since Jocelyn Alo. She was named D1Softball Freshman of the Week twice and SEC Player of the Week once already this season.
In SEC play, Garcia and Nelly McEnroe-Marinas have solidified the left side of the infield while providing crucial offensive pop. McEnroe-Marinas has clubbed seven home runs and scored 16 runs in conference action, and her ability to deliver in big moments could be a game-changer.
Oklahoma’s patience at the plate continues to frustrate opponents. The Sooners have scored 90 runs via walk or hit-by-pitch — a remarkable stat that underscores their plate discipline and ability to manufacture runs in multiple ways. With 198 walks this season, they rank second nationally.
Cowgirls Confident and Battle-Tested
Oklahoma State is no stranger to high-pressure games, and this year’s squad has already shown the grit necessary to compete with the best. The Cowgirls have won nine games when trailing by two runs or more and are 6-2 in one-run games. That resilience is paired with an impressive 21-4 record when scoring more than two runs and 22-4 mark when holding opponents to five runs or fewer.
The Cowgirls boast an elite arm in Ruby Meylan, who enters the game ranked 15th in the country with 143 strikeouts and sits 10th in ERA at 1.32. Meylan’s ability to shut down opposing lineups could be crucial in neutralizing Oklahoma’s explosive offense.
Offensively, Oklahoma State has also been sharp in the late innings, outscoring opponents 52-16 from the sixth inning on. If the game remains close, expect the Cowgirls to have confidence in their ability to finish strong. They’re also 17-4 when hitting at least one home run, so the long ball could be a key for their success Wednesday night.
Karli Godwin, who has started 95 consecutive games, provides stability and leadership. OSU has also made a big leap in the speed department, stealing 57 bases this year, already surpassing their total from last season (45). That added aggressiveness could pose problems for OU’s defense.
Keys to the Game
For Oklahoma:
- Continue drawing walks and extending at-bats. OSU’s Ruby Meylan is a strikeout artist, but if OU can run up her pitch count early, it could tilt the game.
- Keep the freshmen hot. Garcia, McEnroe-Marinas, and others have been difference-makers — their confidence will be crucial in the spotlight.
- Limit OSU’s speed game. The Cowgirls like to run; slowing that down will prevent them from manufacturing extra runs.
For Oklahoma State:
- Meylan needs to keep OU’s power in check. Limiting home runs and free passes will be essential to stay in the game.
- Strike first. The Cowgirls are 16-4 when scoring first — they need to set the tone early and avoid playing from behind.
- Find timely hitting. They’ve thrived in late innings; however, getting out in front against a deep OU pitching staff is more important than usual.
What’s at Stake
Beyond state bragging rights, this game is a huge RPI opportunity for both teams. Oklahoma is eyeing a national seed and hosting rights for both regionals and super regionals, while Oklahoma State is hoping to bolster its postseason resume and climb higher in the polls after some inconsistent stretches.
For fans of elite softball, it doesn’t get much better than this: two in-state rivals, ranked inside the top 20, playing under the lights at Devon Park with national attention on ESPN2. It’s Bedlam — expect drama, passion, and a postseason atmosphere in early April.
First pitch is at 7 p.m. from Oklahoma City. Buckle up.
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