Oklahoma’s first SEC series against South Carolina was an emotional roller coaster, but the Sooners emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience. They came from behind to win two thrilling 10-9 games and then clinched the sweep with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in a pitcher’s duel. Now, head coach Patty Gasso and her No. 1-ranked Sooners are gearing up for another tough challenge as they hit the road to face No. 12 Arkansas this weekend.
The Razorbacks boast a potent offense, orchestrated by Gasso’s son, DJ Gasso, making this series a family affair. Oklahoma will need to bring its A-game to contain Arkansas’ explosive lineup. “No free bases… Keep the ball in the yard,” Gasso emphasized on Tuesday. “They swing it well, top to bottom. They’ve got speed… We need to keep the ball in play, make the plays, and avoid walks. Strikeouts aren’t the priority—just give us a chance to make the plays.”
The Sooners’ pitching staff will be at full strength this weekend, with Sam Landry returning in their midweek win over Tulsa. This is a welcome boost after Oklahoma allowed 19 runs across three games against South Carolina. However, the defense will also need to step up after committing six errors last weekend, doubling their season total. “We’re facing great hitters, and we’re doing our best,” said shortstop Gabbie Garcia. “Our infield is new, and we’re still figuring each other out. Defense wins championships, and we’re working hard to live by that.”
Fortunately, Oklahoma’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, bailing out the pitching staff and overcoming defensive mistakes. The Sooners are tied for third nationally with 48 home runs, which will test an Arkansas pitching staff led by standout lefty Robyn Herron. “They’re very similar to South Carolina and us,” Gasso noted. “They have a strong lefty in Herron, but they also have a deep stable of pitchers. The numbers are similar on both sides, so this will be a very even matchup.”
Oklahoma’s lineup has been relentless, with stars like Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering leading the charge. However, players like Gabbie Garcia, catcher Isabela Emerling, and third baseman Nelly McEnroe-Marinas have also stepped up, delivering multiple home runs in the series against South Carolina.
This weekend, the young Sooners will face their first true road test in conference play, navigating a hostile environment at Bogle Park. “We’ve been in loud surroundings at Love’s Field, so we’re somewhat prepared,” Gasso said. “But this will be different. There will be some Sooners fans, but not enough to drown out the noise. We’ll have to learn to handle it, whether it’s for us or against us.”
The series kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. at Bogle Park, with Game 1 airing on SEC Network+. Game 2 follows on Saturday at 4 p.m. (SEC Network+), and the series concludes Sunday at 11 a.m. on SEC Network. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse programs.
Leave a Reply