There was no easing into this game for [autotag]Jordy Bahl[/autotag] and the Oklahoma Sooners as they took on the Tennessee Volunteers.
The first batter Bahl faced in the contest was arguably the biggest snub from the USA Softball National Player of the Year final three; centerfielder Kiki Milloy.
Milloy is hitting well over .400 on the season with 25 home runs and 56 RBIs.
In the opening at-bat, Bahl worked to a two-strike count before Milloy ripped a pitch down the third base line for a leadoff double. With a runner in scoring position after one batter, Jordy Bahl then locked in and went to work.
She retired the next nine hitters before surrendering a walk, only her second baserunner allowed.
It was Bahl’s second fabulous performance in a row, logging 3.2 innings pitched with one hit and one walk allowed to the No. 2 scoring offense in the country. Bahl’s now gone 13.2 innings pitched without allowing a run. She’s allowed just one run in her last seven appearances, spanning 27.2 innings.
Of course, Bahl was aided by some tremendous offense from the Sooners lineup. [autotag]Tiare Jennings[/autotag] put Oklahoma on the board first with a three-run home run, and [autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] plated a pair with a two-run bomb. [autotag]Rylie Boone[/autotag] provided a two-RBI triple.
In all, Oklahoma tagged Tennessee pitching for nine runs in the second and third innings of the game. With Bahl getting the start for the second consecutive day, it was important for the offense to jump on Tennessee early if only so Patty Gasso didn’t have to extend her ace any further than was necessary.
Now with Sunday off awaiting who will join the Sooners in the semifinals, Bahl should be well rested and available for Monday if [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] goes with the electric true sophomore for their semifinal matchup.
One thing’s for sure, it’s that Jordy Bahl has raised her game as the stakes have gotten higher here in the Women’s College World Series.
Bahl is now 20-1 on the season and has lowered her ERA to 1.00. Her swagger and her demeanor in the circle are infectious. With each strikeout and scoreless inning, Jordy Bahl is displaying why she’s one of the very best players in all of college softball.