Three Thoughts on the Big 12 Softball Weekend
Another weekend of college softball is in the books, as the postseason draws nearer. And there were again some key takeaways, so here are three thoughts on what transpired.
The big dogs dominate
Three heavy favorites were supposed to roll this weekend, and three heavy favorites rolled this weekend. Top-ranked Oklahoma downed Texas Tech all three times, including a 7-0 decision in the Saturday series finale. The Sooners’ pitching didn’t allow the Red Raiders to plate an entire run in the series. Second-ranked Oklahoma State responded off a midweek loss at Wichita State with three victories over Kansas. The Cowgirls polished off the sweep with an identical 7-0 win in Lawrence. And Top 15 Texas didn’t have any issues with Iowa State. It dispatched Iowa State three times, while surrendering only two runs.
Baylor makes a grand statement
It would have been a successful weekend had the Bears even took one game from the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. But they weren’t satisfied with just that, sweeping the Vols in two games. The first featured a one-hit shutout by ace Dariana Orme. Seven hitters stepped into the batter’s box and couldn’t figure Orme out. Dealing, she was. And impressive, Baylor was. A loss a week ago to Kansas is now ancient history.
Two-horse race becoming very clear
Technically, Texas is within striking distance, but it’s hard to see either Oklahoma or Oklahoma State dropping more than three games. Currently, the two have a combined 15 conference wins and no losses and are very much on a collision course for a Bedlam series that will once again decide the regular season league race. Neither wants to trip up any along the way, or that’ll only make the task that much more challenging.
Teams will get back after it in the coming days, and we’ll surely see some more great action then.
