The Oklahoma Softball team continued their run of dominance taking down their hated rival the Texas Longhorns in a 6-1 series opening victory early Friday evening (box score).
Behind an absolutely filthy performance from All-American Keilani Ricketts (CG, 6 hits, 1 ER, 2 BB, 15 K) and a somewhat unusual method of manufacturing runs, the Sooners were able to win comfortably.
One of the things that makes this Oklahoma team so dangerous is that it isn't just one or two players carrying most of the load. This team is loaded from top to bottom and that was on display Friday when the bottom third of Oklahoma's lineup was primarily responsible for most of their offense.
OU's 7-8-9 hitters of Destinee Martinez, Callie Parsons, and Brianna Turang combined for seven hits (several of which didn't even leave the infield) and four runs batted in.
The Sooners had a clear game plan going in against Texas' ace Blaire Luna. Oklahoma was very patient at the plate forcing Luna, who is prone to putting runners on base, to throw strikes and using their offensive opportunities efficiently. As a result, the Sooners drew nine walks in the game which is the most allowed by this Texas team in a single game all season.
As previously mentioned, Ricketts was as good possibly as she has been all season. With her change-up working, she was making the Texas batters look silly with some of their swing and misses. Her fifteen strikeouts were a season high.
With the win, Oklahoma takes sole possession of first place in the Big 12 and moved to 38-2 on the season with a still perfect 7-0 record in conference play. Also with the win, Oklahoma snapped a 15-game win streak the Longhorns had been in the midst of prior to Friday.
The two teams will get back after it Saturday night with first pitch scheduled for shortly after 5 p.m. (CST). The game can be seen live on the (dramatic pause)..... Longhorn Network.