OU softball survived a combined 35-run midweek slugfest on Wednesday night in Wichita, Kansas.
The No. 2-ranked Soonersdefeated Wichita State 19-16 Wednesday night in front of a Shockers record crowd of 1,245 fans. OU previously defeated the Shockers 8-1 on Feb. 23.
Wichita State’s 16 runs scored is the most the Sooners have surrendered since the 2019 Women’s College World Series when they gave up 16 against UCLA.
Maya Bland, Gabbie Garcia and Nelly McEnroe-Marinas combined for nine hits and eight RBIs in the win. Garcia, Isabela Emerling and Kasidi Pickering each hit home runs.
The contest featured 31 combined hits, eight combined home runs and seven combined errors.
Here are three takeaways from the Sooners’ win:
heads up play GG ❌ pic.twitter.com/tKYUVc2jCI
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) March 27, 2025
Kierston Deal, Paytn Monticelli struggle in midweek outings
OU starting left-hander Kierston Deal entered the game having given up three home runs all season and boasting a 2.19 ERA.
After the Sooners scored eight first-inning runs, the Shockers wasted no time going after Deal. Deal allowed six earned runs, six hits and three Shocker home runs and was replaced by Patyn Monticelli in the third inning.
Monticelli, who had only allowed four runs this season, didn’t last past the third after giving up five earned and walking three batters.
OU’s pitching struggles appear to be a concern for a team looking to win its fifth consecutive national title. Freshman standout Audrey Lowry is dealing with a muscle injury and will throw this week in practice with the possibility of pitching this weekend.
☝️ swing, ✌️RBI for @maya__blandpic.twitter.com/Kp5RRfNsG6
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) March 26, 2025
Offensive explosion for Shockers fuels comeback attempt
Whenever the Sooners’ offense responded to their pitching struggles Wednesday night, Wichita State’s offense kept the fireworks going.
Trailing 14-3 in the third inning, the Shockers scored six runs to cut OU's lead to five runs. Five of the six runs were scored via two home runs, including a three-run bomb to left field by Sami Hood.
Then in the fourth with the bases loaded, Wichita State’s Jodie Epperson singled to right center, scoring two to cut OU's lead to 14-11. The Shockers added another run on a ground out to make it 14-12.
WSU’s final jab came in the sixth when Epperson scored on a throwing error by OU catcher Isabela Emerling to cut the Sooners' lead to just three heading into the seventh inning.
Sam Landry (10-0) earned the win, striking out five and allowing three earned runs (two unearned).
.@PickeringKasidi will meet you at home 🏠 pic.twitter.com/ahAo3DrNYU
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) March 27, 2025
OU scores eight first-inning runs, knocks Wichita State starter out after two-thirds of an inning
OU’s offense got off to a hot start Wednesday after its first loss of the season last weekend to Missouri and ahead of a massive home series with Tennessee this weekend.
Garcia started the party, squeezing a single through the right side with the bases loaded to give OU a 1-0 lead. McEnroe Marinas stayed hot with a single in the first inning, extending her hit streak to eight games.
Bland entered the game with just three RBIs this season before her first-inning single scored Garcia and Ailana Agbayani.
Abby Dayton, who opened the inning with a walk, tripled to right center field, scoring Bland and Emerling and ending Shockers starter Alex Aguilar's day after 2/3 of an inning.
Next, the Sooners host No. 9 Tennessee this weekend for a three-game home series at Love’s Field in Norman.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU softball survives Wichita State 19-16 in thrilling midweek clash
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