The Woman’s College World Series got underway Thursday, as the remaining eight teams begin to battle their way to the College World Series Finals. The games did not disappoint either. The four games on the slate led to very exciting lead changes, clutch hits out of the park, and memorable pitching changes that will push the momentum farther for the rest of the year. Let’s break down the games on Thursday and how it shakes out for the tournament for the rest of the weekend.
Texas vs. UCLA (Game 1)
Longhorn’s Upset Bruins in Round Opener
Texas pulled off the first upset of the Woman’s College World Series defeating No. 5 UCLA by a score of 7-2. Not only victorious, but the Longhorns also scored the most World Series runs in program history.
Horns Mia Scott went 4-for-4 on four pitches with two RBIs in the win. The long ball helped fuel the win for Texas however, as the team left the yard twice both times for multiple runs. Mary Iakopo smashed her 50th career home run, and Bella Dayton added on to the home run parade.
The pitching was the biggest issue for UCLA, something that has been a consistent, reliable corner piece all season long. Both Megan Faraimo and Holly Azevedo were chased from this one by Texas as the pitching woes could not be tamed. The Bruins did get on the board late with a two-run Delani Wisz homer, but otherwise were very quiet offensively.
Northwestern vs. Oklahoma (Game 2)
Sooners Hit Two Grand Slams to Blowout Wildcats
Oklahoma hit not one, but two grand slams to crush Northwester 13-2. Yeah, that’s right. The only grand slams in the history of the program for the WCWS both happened in this game. Northwestern went up 1-0 off of a Rachel Lewis home run to put the Sooners behind for the first time this postseason. This lead didn’t last long though as Tiare Jennings launched a grand slam just over the fence to take the lead for good. The second grand slam was hit by Jana Johns to put the Sooners up 13-1.
Another plus side for the Sooners was the return of Jordy Bahl. The NFCA National Freshman of the Year came in to close it out in the bottom of the fifth for OU. She has been out with an injury since early May.
Oregon State vs. Florida (Game 3)
Stellar Pitching Relief and Surging Offense Gives Gators the Win
Florida beat Oregon State 7-1 by scoring the last seven runs of the game. Although The Beavers scored first, the change on the mound for the Gators was the key to victory in this one. Natalie Lugo came in the game in relief for Florida after the Gators gave up four hits and a run in the first. Lugo came in and delivered right away. She would get Florida out of a bases-loaded jam before going on to pitch six innings with just one hit allowed and six strikeouts.
The Gator offense also surged on the backs of Goelz, Lindsey and Echols.Β Avery Goelz went 2 for 3 with three RBI and Cheyenne Lindsey went 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Charla Echols launched a solo home run over the fence in the bottom of the fifth.
Arizona vs. Oklahoma State (Game 4)
Pokes Rally to Defeat Wildcats in Dramatic Nightcap
The last match of the first day of games was a nail-biter. No. 7 Oklahoma State just squeaked past Arizona for a 4-2 win. Kelly Maxwell dominated in the circle for the Pokes, pitching a complete game and recording 14 strikeouts. The majority of this game was a pitching duel between Maxwell and Arizona’s Hannah Bowen.
The score for the Wildcats came when Arizona’sΒ Sharlize Palacios hit a two-run homer to give the Wildcats a fifth inning lead. The lead didn’t last long however as Karli Petty sent one over the fence in the sixth for the Lady Cowgirls for a three-run homer. This game was easily the most intense of the four on the slate. The best action to cap off a great first day of the Woman’s College World Series.
What’s Next in the WCWS?
The eight teams are now divided again by their current record (1-0 and 0-1). The winner’s bracket (Texas vs. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State vs. Florida) will matchup on Saturday. The Longhorns were one of just two teams to beat OU this season.
As for the loser bracket, they will be in action on much shorter rest. The four teams (Northwestern vs. UCLA and Oregon State vs. Arizona) will play Friday night fighting to stay alive. Any team that loses on Friday will be eliminated from the tournament.
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About the Author
Christian Rauh is the Co-Founder of Slasher Sports and is the Host of The Rauh Report Podcast and Wake Up! with Wowie and The Kid. You Can find all his written work here.
