Oklahoma’s players were in a rush to get to the clubhouse late Wednesday afternoon. An embarrassing loss to Southern Nazarene could have something to do with the quick exit and the rain that was gaining intensity was also a factor.
But there was another reason.
What lies ahead has much greater importance than the past.
The Sooners (26-16-1, 4-10-1 Big 12) return to Big 12 Conference play at 6 tonight at Texas Tech. The remaining 12 conference games are about all that matters right now.
“We’re not thinking about the past,” designated hitter Mike Gosse said.
Thinking about what’s happened through the first five conference series can only conjure up bad memories. The Sooners have only won one conference series during that span and have put themselves in a tough predicament.
There’s no hiding from the fact they’re in ninth place in the Big 12. If the season ended today, they would miss the Big 12 tournament for the first time in the program’s history.
It didn’t take more than a simple glance to see OU’s conference schedule was loaded early. Its first five series were against Nebraska, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M; and Missouri. All five of those teams reached the NCAA Tournament last season, along with Oklahoma State.
But the opportunity to make a move is still there. The Sooners’ next three series provide a chance to move up the standings.
The Red Raiders (20-23, 5-13) are in last place after dropping eight of their last nine conference games. The Sooners also have series at seventh-place Kansas and eighth-place Kansas State to follow before the regular season concludes against third-place OSU May 16-18.
“We have to finish strong. There’s no doubt it,” OU coach Sunny Golloway said.
The question is do the Sooners have what it takes to make a late-season run?
Before Wednesday’s loss to Southern Nazarene, signs were pointing in that direction. OU scored a combined 33 runs in victories over Missouri and TCU.
“Hitting is contagious and it can happen for any team,” first baseman Aaron Baker said. “You get a leadoff guy on base and things start happening.”
What happens tonight against Texas Tech at Dan Law Field should be a good indicator. OU has only won the first game of a series once this season (against Baylor March 28). It also happens to be the only series they’ve won.
Andrew Doyle (5-3, 3.46 ERA) will take the mound for the Sooners tonight against Texas Tech’s Zach Stewart (2-1, 3.90 ERA). Saturday’s game is scheduled for 2 p.m. and the finale will be at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The outcome of the three games will probably decide whether OU can turn its fate around. The make-or-break point in the season has arrived.
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
Sooners’ season at make-or-break point
Tech series pivotal for a late-season run
- OU Sports
-
-
It’s a recipe for success
Oklahoma softball coach Patty Gasso was answering questions Saturday after her Sooners clinched another return to the Women’s College World Series when, without really meaning to, she began to make it clear her job has, sort of, become ...
-
Tigers deny Sooners’ Big 12 title hopes
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma wanted to win its first Big 12 tournament in 16 years on Sunday. Missouri needed to win it to get in the NCAA Tournament. Need topped desire at Bricktown Ballpark....
-
Sooners make winning look easy
As Oklahoma’s players locked arms around the pitching circle, coming together for what passed as a celebration following Saturday’s 7-1 NCAA Super Regional-clinching victory over Arizona, three gloves remained near second base....
-
There are no easy outs in the lineup
Looking for a gameplan to stop Oklahoma? Well, one may or may not be available, but walking two of the first three Sooners you face certainly isn’t part of it. Just ask Arizona’s Kenzie Fowler....
-
Sooners will play for Big 12 championship
OKLAHOMA CITY, — It’s been 16 years since Oklahoma won the Big 12 tournament. It’s closer now than its ever been to ending the streak. The Sooners rolled through Baylor, 7-2, on Saturday at Bricktown Ballpark to advance to the tournament’s ...
-
Sooners send five more to nationals
AUSTIN, Texas — Oklahoma track and field teams had five more individuals qualify for the NCAA Championship on Saturday evening at the NCAA West Preliminary. The men’s 4x100-meter relay team also advanced to the national semifinals....
-
OU sophomore Jao-Javanil wins NCAA golf title
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Oklahoma’s Chirapat Jao-Javanil made Oklahoma golf history Friday, becoming the first Sooner, man or woman, to win an individual NCAA national championship....
-
Pitching staff is exactly where Golloway wants it to be
When the Big 12 tournament began, Oklahoma felt like it had the pitching staff to make a deep run. Dillon Overton, Jordan John, Jonathan Gray and Damien Magnifico gave them four quality starters and a closer — Steven Okert — capable of ...
-
Sooners shut out Wildcats, need one more win for WCWS entry
Oklahoma might have scored more runs, not committed an error and starting pitcher Keilani Ricketts could have been just a little more efficient along the way....
-
Sooners send 4 more to NCAAs
AUSTIN, Texas – Oklahoma’s track and field teams added four individuals to the list of Sooners advancing to the NCAA championship Friday at the NCAA West Preliminary. In addition to the four new qualifiers, Brittany Borman advanced to the ...
- More OU Sports Headlines
-
It’s a recipe for success
