OU Softball: Oklahoma Sweeps Kansas to Conclude Impressive Weekend

Oklahoma closed out a weekend sweep of Kansas in style on Saturday. 

The Sooners launched back-to-back home runs in the first inning, setting the tone for an efficient afternoon in Lawrence. 

OU downed the Jayhawks 7-1 at Arrocha Ballpark.

Jayda Coleman didn’t homer in the first at-bat of the game for the second day in a row, but she did poke the first pitch of the game through the right side to give OU (34-1, 12-0 Big 12) a leadoff single. She would quickly end back up in the dugout. 

Tiare Jennings took one ball before rocketing Kansas starter Kasey Hamilton’s delivery over the wall in left field, putting the Sooners up 2-0.

Things then got worse for the Jayhawks (22-11-1, 7-5).

Alyssa Brito added to OU’s lead four pitches later, hammering a solo home run of her own. 

Avery Hodge led the second inning off with a walk for Oklahoma, but a failed hit-and-run saw her thrown out at second. 

The failed attempt at steal ended up costing the Sooners a run, as Coleman belted another one-run home run later in the at-bat to push the lead to 4-0.

With plenty of run support backing her, Kierston Deal cruised in the circle for OU. 

She allowed just two base runners, one via a walk and one off a hit, in 2 1/3 innings before Karlie Keeney took over. 

The Sooners inched closer to a run-rule in the fourth inning. 

Coleman drew a one-out walk and Jennings singled, putting a pair on for Brito. 

The third baseman bounced a single of her own back up the middle, scoring Coleman and putting runners on first and second for designated player Kinzie Hansen.

OU’s senior captain came through with a single, scoring Jennings and leaving runners on the corners. 

Alynah Torres then surprised Kansas’ defense. 

She laid down a bunt, successfully executing the squeeze, to put OU on top 7-0.

The Jayhawks were able to throw down to third and get Hansen, however, and Rylie Boone popped up to end the top of the fourth. 

Keeney pitched 2 2/3 inning, striking out two of the 11 batters she faced while allowing a hit and a walk. 

SJ Geurin made her second appearance of the weekend in the sixth inning for OU in the circle. 

Kansas catcher Abby Carsley got the Jayhawks off the mark, hitting a solo home run off Geurin to cut the deficit to 7-1.

The hosts threatened again in the seventh. 

OU coach Patty Gasso brought Paytn Monticelli into the game, who loaded the bases with just one out. 

In the midst of a jam, Monticelli was withdrawn in favor of Nicole May who was tasked with closing out the victory.

Kansas left fielder Presley Limbaugh was the first batter May faced, and Limbaugh singled to drive home a pair of runs. 

May quickly responded by retiring the next two Kansas batters to end the contest. 

Jennings and Brito both finished 3-for-5 at the plate, while Coleman ended the contest 2-for-2 with three walks.

The Sooners will now prepare for a massive series that will shape the Big 12 race.

OU head to Austin to take on the No. 2-ranked Texas Longhorns.

Game 1 between the Red River Rivals will start on Friday at 5:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.