NORMAN — Kasidi Pickering roped a three-run double to extend her staggering reached base streak to 15 consecutive at-bats, but No. 10 Tennessee…

 

NORMAN — Kasidi Pickering roped a three-run double to extend her staggering reached base streak to 15 consecutive at-bats, but No. 10 Tennessee…

 

 

NORMAN, Okla. — In a thrilling encounter at Marita Hynes Field, Kasidi Pickering delivered a clutch three-run double to extend her incredible reached-base streak to 15 consecutive at-bats, but it wasn’t enough to lead the University of Oklahoma softball team to victory. The No. 10 Tennessee Volunteers managed to hold off the Sooners with a dominant performance, prevailing 8-6 in a hard-fought battle.

 

Pickering’s moment of brilliance came in the bottom of the third inning, with the Sooners trailing 5-3. With two outs and the bases loaded, the sophomore shortstop stepped up to the plate with the game on the line. The crowd held its breath as she worked the count before crushing a pitch into the left-center field gap, bringing home three runs to give the Sooners a 6-5 lead. The three-run double not only tied the game but also extended Pickering’s remarkable streak of reaching base to 15 consecutive at-bats, a testament to her consistency and clutch hitting.

 

“It feels great to be in that zone,” Pickering said after the game. “But I’d trade my streak for a win any day. We’ve been battling hard all season, and we’ll keep pushing forward. The streak is nice, but it’s the team’s success that matters most.”

 

Pickering’s streak has been one of the most impressive feats in college softball this season. Her ability to get on base and deliver in key moments has earned her a reputation as one of the best hitters in the nation. Heading into this matchup, Pickering was hitting an astounding .480 and leading the Sooners in nearly every offensive category.

 

However, despite Pickering’s heroics, the Volunteers had other plans. Tennessee, known for its potent offense, answered in the top of the fourth inning. After a leadoff double and a sacrifice bunt, the Volunteers regained the lead on an RBI single by infielder Kiki Milloy. The Sooners’ defense couldn’t keep the ball in the park, and Tennessee took advantage, adding a pair of insurance runs in the sixth inning to solidify their advantage.

 

The Volunteers’ offensive power was on full display throughout the game. Senior outfielder Raven Salgado played a key role, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs, while Milloy’s timely hits drove in crucial runs. Tennessee’s starting pitcher, Ashley Rogers, threw a solid complete game, striking out eight batters and scattering eight hits. While Rogers wasn’t flawless, she limited the Sooners’ scoring opportunities, especially after Pickering’s three-run double.

 

Oklahoma’s pitching staff struggled to contain the Volunteers’ bats. Starter Jordy Bahl, despite a strong start, gave up six runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings of work. The Sooners turned to their bullpen in the fourth inning, but the Volunteers continued to find gaps in the defense.

 

“We had some moments of brilliance, but Tennessee really capitalized when they needed to,” said Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso. “Kasidi’s performance was outstanding, and we’re so proud of her, but we have to do a better job of executing as a team. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

 

Despite the loss, the Sooners remain a formidable force in the NCAA softball landscape. With a wealth of talent, including Pickering’s continued dominance at the plate, Oklahoma will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming Big 12 conference matchups.

 

The game against Tennessee highlighted both the offensive power of the Volunteers and the resiliency of the Sooners, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season. As the teams head into their respective conference schedules, fans can expect more thrilling matchups from two of the nation’s premier softball programs.