Oklahoma Sooners Baseball: On Losing Skid, Sooners Return Home for Kansas Series

Oklahoma started the season like gangbusters, which is why its 27-13, 5-4 record still looks pretty good. But the Sooners went an abysmal 1-7 on the recent road trip that took them to Texas, Michigan, Oral Roberts and Dallas Baptist. They haven’t won a game since April 9.

The Sooners are hoping that the friendly confines of L. Dale Mitchell Park will get them back on the postseason track. They welcome Kansas this weekend for a three-game set.

The (Probable) Matchups

Friday: Jake Irvin (5-0, 1.30) vs. Taylor Turski (2-3, 2.54), 6:30 p.m., SoonerSports.TV

Saturday: Kyle Tyler (0-0, 2.82) vs. Jackson Goddard (3-2, 4.93), 2 p.m., SoonerSports.TV

Sunday: Dylan Grove (1-3, 3.12) vs. Ryan Zeferjahn (4-3, 5.08), 1 p.m., SoonerSports.TV

Irvin’s last start ended with him doubled over in pain, so it’s a relief to see him back atop the Sooner rotation. Candidly, OU doesn’t have much of a shot at the World Series without Irvin pitching his best

Second baseman Kyle Mendenhall is one of OU’s biggest power threats, but he’s been sidelined for five games with a back injury. Getting him back would be a huge boost for the OU lineup against a solid Jayhawks staff.

OU’s other hitters to keep an eye on include outfielder Steele Walker (.356/.433/.570) and catcher Renae Martinez (.342/.403/.525).

Prediction

OU has played great at home and terrible lately. It’s hard to know what to think. But I’ll say the return to Norman will win out and help OU take two of three this weekend.