When Florida built a 5-2 lead against Oklahoma on Tuesday afternoon, it felt like we might be seeing the end of the Sooners’ run of dominance come to an end.
But, in typical OU fashion, they found a way to stay within striking distance. Starting in the fourth, the Sooners chipped into the lead with a two-run shot from Cydney Sanders to make it 5-4, Gators.
In the sixth, a single from Ella Parker brought Avery Hodge across home plate to make it 5-5 and extend the Sooners chances.
OU left a couple of runners on in the bottom of the seventh, as Florida was able to extend the game into the eighth. Kelly Maxwell worked her way out of the top half of the inning there fairly quickly, setting up the chance for Oklahoma’s lineup to turnover, starting with Jayda Coleman. The Sooners’ center fielder was 1-for-3 heading into what could’ve been her final at-bat in an OU uniform, and before she stepped into the box, Coleman and fellow senior Alyssa Brito prayed together.
Then, on a 2-1 pitch to open the inning, Coleman lifted a rise ball deep into left field, and, well, the rest is history.
Oklahoma was able to complete the comeback after holding a red-hot Gators offense scoreless for the final five innings of the game, and Coleman’s solo shot to end the game capped off one heck of a WCWS elimination game.
OU will now face No. 1 Texas in the WCWS Final, with Game 1 starting tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. CT on ESPN.
