WCWS: FSU softball seeks revenge against Oklahoma State

FSU softball (55-9) will rematch Oklahoma State (46-14) in the opening stages of the Women’s College World Series.

The Cowgirls won two of three games earlier this season as part of FSU’s midwest road trip into Oklahoma. FSU won the first game 7-5, lost the second game 9-1 in five innings, and lost a lead late in the third game to lose 3-2.

The two teams are eerily similar in many aspects. Oklahoma State has a potent offense, batting .327 with 52 home runs, 107 doubles, 10 triples, and an on-base percentage of .414.

They walk more than they strike out, just like FSU, and their batters only strike out 12.4 percent of their at-bats. Defensively, they have a .978 fielding percentage, which is outstanding, and their pitchers have a 2.06 ERA.

They allow opposing batters to hit .205 and have 431 strikeouts and 137 walks in 401.2 innings, allowing 23 home runs.

FSU softball hitters bring a .307 batting average and a .404 on-base percentage into the contest.

They have hit 57 home runs, 119 doubles, and 13 triples. They walk (240) more than they strike out (208). FSU’s pitching staff brings a 1.63 ERA while allowing a .189 batting average.

They have allowed 22 home runs and 338 strikeouts, and 119 walks in 412.1 innings. Defensively, FSU has 55 errors for a .968 fielding percentage.

The three-game series earlier in the season saw Oklahoma State use all three of its best pitchers. The Cowgirls have a lot of strikeouts this season but had problems with walks against the Noles.

Ironically, it was Oklahoma State’s third-best pitcher, who shut the FSU offense down the best. FSU used the series as preparation for the post-season, and Coach Alameda tinkered with her pitching rotation.

Mack Leonard and Ali DuBois got starts in two of the three games. Sandercock will likely start game one, and she’s been lights out lately. She defeated Oklahoma State despite the FSU defense committing five errors. Offensively, both teams are similar, except FSU has more aggression on the base paths, and likely more overall team speed.

FSU pitchers must make Oklahoma State earn everything without issuing walks. FSU batters must stay patient because Oklahoma State pitchers will issue walks.

They walked 15 FSU batters in the three-game series. If they do that and play solid defense, I think FSU softball has an excellent shot to win here. The game will begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.