Tag: Riley Ludlam

Oklahoma Sooners historic 71-game win streak comes to an end

All good things must come to an end as the Sooners are stunned vs. Lousiana.

The Oklahoma Sooners took on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for the second time this weekend to complete a five-game weekend. And for the first time in more than a year, the Sooners took a loss, falling to Louisiana 7-5 in eight innings.

Things did not start well for Oklahoma as [autotag]Kelly Maxwell[/autotag] got the start and the Sooners quickly found themselves down 2-0 at the top of the 4th inning. [autotag]Karlie Keeney[/autotag] came on in relief but walked a batter with the bases loaded to increase Louisiana’s lead to 3-0. The Sooners offense struggled to get anything going for much of the contest off of Ragin’ Cajun starter Chloe Riasetto.

The bottom of the fourth is where it looked like the Sooners would start to get going as Kinzie Hansen hit a two-run home run to cut the Ragin’ Cajuns lead to 3-2. But anytime the Sooners looked like they were about to settle down, Louisiana answered. They visitors scored a run in the top of the 7th inning as [autotag]Alyssa Britto[/autotag] fielded a ground ball before firing it home to Hansen. Hansen ended up mishandling the ball, allowing the runner to score to extend the lead to 4-2.

In the bottom of the 7th, the Sooners were down two runs with one out. [autotag]Tiare Jennings[/autotag] came up to bat and cut the lead to one with an RBI single. [autotag]Riley Ludlam[/autotag] came in to pinch hit and looped a ball into shallow right field that was misplayed. Maya Bland was running on contact and advanced to third. The throw home snuck through the Louisiana catcher, and Bland skirted home to tie the game.

In extra innings, Louisiana answered once again. They were able to get the bases loaded with no outs thanks to multiple errors by the Sooners’ defense. Ultimately, Lousiana was able to score three runs in the inning to go up 7-4.

[autotag]Cydney Sanders[/autotag] hit a solo shot to make it 7-5 and Alynah Torres reached first to bring the tying run to the plate. But with two outs and one on [autotag]Jayda Coleman[/autotag] stepped up to the plate with the record on the line. She grounded out to second, and the game was over. The Sooners lost 7-5, and their 71-game winning streak ended.

Their next game is Wednesday against Texas A&M Commerce at 6:00 p.m. CT.

More: Social media reacts to end of Sooners 71-game winning streak

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Oklahoma Sooners earn 70th win in a row with 8-0 win over Louisiana

The Oklahoma Sooners extended their win streak to 70 with an 8-0 win over Louisiana.

The Oklahoma Sooners moved to 17-0 with an 8-0 win over the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns in the first of two games on Saturday. OU has now won an incredible 70 games in a row.

[autotag]Kierston Deal[/autotag] got the start and worked four scoreless innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and a hit batter with two strikeouts in the outing. [autotag]Peytn Monticelli[/autotag] came in and threw a scoreless fifth inning to help Oklahoma seal the win.

Oklahoma’s offense got going early with a three-run first inning. [autotag]Alyssa Brito[/autotag], [autotag]Ella Parker[/autotag], and [autotag]Tiare Jennings[/autotag] each had an RBI double in the frame to put the Sooners up early.

The Sooners added four more runs in the second. [autotag]Riley Ludlam[/autotag] led off with a solo home run before Brito doubled home [autotag]Jayda Coleman[/autotag] for her second extra-base hit of the game. Parker walked to load the bases and [autotag]Avery Hodge[/autotag] earned another walk to score [autotag]Riley Boone[/autotag]. [autotag]Tiare Jennings[/autotag] closed the scoring with a sacrifice fly to put the Sooners up 7-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, [autotag]Alyssa Brito[/autotag] smashed her third double of the day, and after a passed ball allowed Brito to get to third and eventually scored on [autotag]Maya Bland[/autotag]’s ground out.

The Sooners will take on Liberty in the afternoon part of their Saturday double-header after beating the Flames 8-0 on Friday night.

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Oklahoma Sooners walk off opener at Love’s Field, 9-7 over Miami (OH)

It didn’t start off great but Oklahoma rallied for a 9-7 walk-off win in their first game at Love’s Field.

The Oklahoma Sooners played their first game at their new home. [autotag]Love’s Field[/autotag], the nation’s largest on-campus softball stadium, is the new home of the Sooners.

Things didn’t start well for the Sooners. The nation’s leader in home runs, the Miami (OH) Redhawks, hit back-to-back home runs off [autotag]Nicole May[/autotag] in the top of the 1st inning to get things started. The Redhawks led 3-0 after the top of the 1st. The Sooners loaded the bases with no one out in the bottom of the 1st but only managed to score one run on an [autotag]Ella Parker[/autotag] sacrifice fly that scored [autotag]Jayda Coleman[/autotag]. Miami (OH) led 3-1 after one.

The 2nd inning was all about clutch pitching. Both pitchers were able to get out of two on jams.

The bottom of the 4th inning looked like it was going to be a big one. [autotag]Rylie Boone[/autotag] and [autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] started things off by putting runners on second and third respectively with no outs. [autotag]Alynah Torres[/autotag] grounded out but was able to score Boone. Right after that, Miami (OH) struck out [autotag]Cydney Sanders[/autotag] and got Coleman to pop out to only allow one run. The Redhawks led 3-2 after four.

[autotag]Karlie Keeney[/autotag] made quick work in the 5th inning and then [autotag]Alyssa Brito[/autotag] hit the first Sooners’ home run at Love’s Field to tie the game up at three heading to the 6th inning.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, [autotag]Riley Ludlam[/autotag] came in as a pinch hitter and hit a single up the middle that scored Hansen to give the Sooners their first lead. The very next at-bat, Coleman hit a two-run shot to give the Sooners a 6-3 lead. But they weren’t done there because in the very next at-bat freshman [autotag]Kasidi Pickering[/autotag] hit a solo shot to right field. The Sooners headed to the 7th inning with a 7-3 lead and needed three outs to improve to 15-0 on the season.

Keeney allowed back-to-back-to-back home runs to Miami to tie the game at seven with no outs in the inning. Keeney recovered to retire the side, setting the game up for another heroic moment.

The Sooners needed someone to step up and it was two of their veterans who did it. Boone started things off with a single before Hansen hit a walk-off two-run home run to win the game and extend Oklahoma’s winning streak to 68 and open Love’s Field with a huge win.

The Sooners face Liberty in the night cap of their double-header in their new home.

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Oklahoma Sooners run rule Central Arkansas 9-0 to open Cowgirl Challenge

Oklahoma Sooners opened their weekend in the Cowgirl Challenge with a 9-0 win over Central Arkansas.

The Oklahoma Sooners offense erupted in the bottom of the fourth inning for nine runs, which was all they needed to beat Central Arkansas and move to 5-0 on the season.

Central Arkansas starter Julia Petty kept the Sooners’ bats at bay for three innings, surrendering just a few hits. But in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Sooners bats came to life.

[autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] led off the inning with an infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error. True freshman [autotag]Ella Parker[/autotag] took advantage and drove Hansen in on an RBI single, giving the Sooners a 1-0 lead. Parker took second on the throw home. After [autotag]Kasidi Pickering[/autotag] walked, [autotag]Alynah Torres[/autotag] singled to bring Parker in to make it 2-0. Pickering went first to third on the hit to keep the scoring threat alive.

After Torres stole second, putting a pair of runners in scoring position, [autotag]Rylie Boone[/autotag] cleared the bases with a triple to right field. [autotag]Avery Hodge[/autotag] followed that up with a triple of her own to make it 5-0 Sooners with no outs in the inning.

Hodge scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-0 followed by doubles from [autotag]Jayda Coleman[/autotag] and [autotag]Tiare Jennings[/autotag] made it 7-0. [autotag]Riley Ludlam[/autotag], pinch hitting for [autotag]Cydney Sanders[/autotag], reahed on an error and Hansen walked to load the bases for Parker. Parker came through again with an RBI single to score Jennings and make it 8-0 and put the run rule in effect. The final run of the nine-run fourth inning came from [autotag]Hannah Coor[/autotag], who reached on a fielder’s choice but scored Ludlam in the process.

It was the type of showing that reminded us that the Sooners can put runs on the board in a hurry. They sent 11 batters to the plate before Central Arkansas was able to record an out in the inning. By the time the bottom of the fourth came to a close, the game was all but over.

[autotag]Nicole May[/autotag] threw another four scoreless innings to keep her ERA at a perfect 0.00 on the season. She allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six for another fantastic performance from the Sooners veteran.

[autotag]Peytn Monticelli[/autotag] worked a scoreless fifth inning, surrendering a walk while also striking out the side to close out the Sooners win.

Coleman, Jennings, Parker, and Torres each recorded two hits. Parker and Boone each had a pair of RBIs.

It was a strong performance to start the weekend in Lake Charles. Though the bats were slow to get going, once they did, Oklahoma couldn’t be stopped. The Sooners extended their record winning-streak to 58 games with the win ahead of their night cap with McNeese State.

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Where does Jackson Arnold rank in early 2024 Heisman odds according to Fan Duel?

Jackson Arnold is already getting some preseason Heisman buzz before his first year as a starter.

If you think [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] is going to win the [autotag]Heisman[/autotag] in 2024, now is the time to bet on it. You probably won’t see the odds this low again if he has the season you think he’s going to have.

Arnold is heading into his first year as the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners. The sophomore quarterback showed flashes in games last year. Even though his bowl game was soured with all of the turnovers, he showed in that game why people are so high on him and his ability.

He’s definitely got all of the makings to be Oklahoma’s next great quarterback and Heisman contender. Arnold’s going to have plenty of opportunities to show out against several high-quality opponents.

So where does Arnold land in 2024 Heisman odds according to Fan Duel Sportsbook? Let’s take a look at the early contenders.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3006″ ] Fan Duel

Oklahoma Sooners close weekend with 11-3 win over Long Beach State

Karlie Keeney was fantastic in relief and the Oklahoma Sooners pulled away from Long Beach State late to earn the 11-3 win.

The Oklahoma Sooners finished their weekend in Puerto Vallarta with a 4-0 record and a 57-game winning streak.

As was the case on Friday night, the Sooners were tested on Saturday by Long Beach State before exploding late for the 11-3 win.

[autotag]Alyssa Brito[/autotag] opened the scoring in the top of the first with a three-run blast to put Oklahoma ahead early.

[autotag]Kierston Deal[/autotag], who drew the start, allowed a leadoff single before retiring the next three hitters. The bottom of the second though, wasn’t as kind. Long Beach State tagged her for three runs on three hits and a walk. Liberty transfer [autotag]Karlie Keeney[/autotag] came in to put an end to the inning.

Keeney was magnificent, throwing 4 1/3 innings of perfect ball. Long Beach struggled to make good contact, and the Sooners defense made every play that came its way. Keeney’s outing provided the momentum Oklahoma’s bats needed to come around.

With the game tied 3-3 in the fourth, [autotag]Cydney Sanders[/autotag] rocketed a ball to deep center field. It looked like Lilyanna Martinez was there to make the play, but the ball hit off her glove and went over the fence for a home run, Sanders’ first of the season.

In the sixth, the Sooners broke it open. Brito led off with a solo home run, her second on the day and third of the season to make it 6-3. Sanders and Avery Hodge recorded infield singles, and [autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] walked to load the bases with no outs. Ella Parker and [autotag]Riley Ludlam[/autotag] drew bases-loaded walks to make it 8-3 before [autotag]Jayda Coleman[/autotag] grounded into a double play to score Parker and make it 9-3. [autotag]Tiare Jennings[/autotag] capped the scoring with a two-run shot that went a long ways to make it 11-3. It was Jennings second home run of the season.

[autotag]Peytn Monticelli[/autotag] came in to pitch the seventh and recorded a scoreless relief appearance to seal OU’s win.

Brito was 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs to lead the way. Hansen was 2-for-3 with a double, RBI and a walk. Sanders also had two hits.

Oklahoma’s road tour continues next weekend when it heads to Lake Charles, Louisiana, for the Cowgirl Challenge. It will take on Central Arkansas and McNeese State on Friday, Lamar and McNeese State on Saturday before closing the weekend with Central Arkansas again on Sunday.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.

Social media reacts to the Oklahoma Sooners extra inning win over Washington

Oklahoma needed extra innings to beat Washington and here’s how Social media reacted to the win.

In the late game on Friday in Puerto Vallarta, Oklahoma and Washington treated observers to a fantastic game.

Though the Sooners jumped on top early, the Huskies rallied for three runs in the second.

The Sooners were kept off-balance by Ruby Weylan but finally broke through in the sixth inning when Riley Ludlam lifted a single over second. In extra innings, Rylie Boone provided the heroics to give the Sooners the 4-3 win.

In the circle, Nicole May battled before giving way to the Sooners’ bullpen in the fifth. Kelly Maxwell once again stole the show, keeping Washington scoreless for 2 2/3 innings with a pair of strikeouts. She worked around multiple scoring threats to keep the Huskies tamed.

The gutsy win improved Oklahoma to 3-0 and extended its winning streak to a record 56 games and counting.

It was a dramatic finish for the Sooners. Here’s how social media reacted to the Sooners’ 4-3 win over Washington.

Oklahoma Sooners rally to beat Washington 4-3 in extra innings

The Oklahoma Sooners needed some late game heroics, but pulled out a 4-3 win over Washington in Puerto Vallarta.

There was controversy at multiple stages of the Oklahoma Sooners 4-3 win over Washington on Friday night, but OU pulls out the victory to remain undefeated at 3-0 and extend their record winning streak to 56 games.

After the Sooners plated two runs in the top of the first off the bats of [autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] and [autotag]Kasidi Pickering[/autotag], the Washington Huskies came back with three in the bottom of the second.

A play at the plate in which [autotag]Jayda Coleman[/autotag] threw out Avery Hobson, but was ruled obstruction as Hansen moved back inside the basepath to receive Coleman’s throw. Instead of the Hobson being ruled out at the plate for the third out of the inning, she was awarded home, and the Huskies could cut the Sooners lead to one. Washington went on to add two more runs in the inning to take the lead.

According to the NCAA website, “defensive players will not be called for obstruction if they are in possession of the ball or if they are making a legitimate reaction to the trajectory of the ball after it is thrown.”

More: Social Media Reacts to Kasidi Pickering’s grand slam in first career at bat

After the three second inning runs, [autotag]Nicole May[/autotag] was able to settle back in and keep the Huskies off the board for another two innings before giving way to [autotag]Peytn Monticelli[/autotag].

Monticelli threw a scoreless fifth inning but ran into trouble in the sixth. But by that time the Sooners tied it up on a [autotag]Riley Ludlam[/autotag] single to centerfield.

[autotag]Karlie Keeney[/autotag] came in and faced a couple of batters, but it was Kelly Maxwell who was the star late in the game.

She entered with one out and runners on first and third in the bottom of the sixth. And then more controversy ensued.

After Maxwell forced Kinsey Fiedler to bounce the ball right back to her, Maxwell threw it to Hansen at home, who applied the tag on Jing Gardner for the out. Replay showed Gardner getting in under the tag, but the umpire ruled her out and without the ability to challenge, it was the second out of the inning. Maxwell then forced a ground out to end Washington’s six inning threat.

In the top of the eighth inning, Pickering was placed on second base with Cydney Sanders coming to bat. Sanders chopped the ball back to the pitcher, and on Ruby Meylan’s throw to first, Pickering advanced to third. Then [autotag]Riley Boone[/autotag] stepped up with two outs and drove a pitch to left field to give the Sooners the one-run lead.

In the bottom of the eighth, Maxwell was fantastic again. Though Oklahoma allowed the Huskies extra inning runner to advance to third on a grounder Alyssa Brito, Maxwell shut it down from there. She got Brooke Nelson to pop up to second base and then Fiedler to ground out to Brito, who made a nice stab down the line and a beautiful throw to first to end the game.

Oklahoma had a difficult time with Huskies pitcher Ruby Meylan. Meylan entered the game in the fourth inning and proceeded to stymie the Sooners’ vaunted lineup. In five innings, she recorded seven strikeouts while allowing just three hits and one walk.

Maxwell threw 2.2 innings and allowed just one base runner and a walk while striking out two to pick up her second win of the season.

The Oklahoma Sooners will close out their time in the Puerto Vallarta College Classic in their finale against Long Beach State on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

More: How to watch, listen to No. 1 Oklahoma in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge

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Oklahoma Sooners land another from the transfer portal

The Oklahoma Sooners pick up their second transfer commitment in as many days, adding Furman catcher Riley Ludlum.

We aren’t even through with the week and Oklahoma has added yet another softball transfer. This time it’s Furman Paladins catcher Riley Ludlam, a versatile player who played some at short as well.

She was a first-team All-Southern Conference selection in 2022. Last season she hit 10 home runs, had 41 RBIs and batted .372.

This comes after an impressive junior season in which she hit .279 while leading the Paladins with 15 doubles, seven home runs and 35 RBIs.

In all, she’s made 54 starts between shortstop at catcher. So it’s unclear if she’s being brought in with one year remaining to be Kinzie Hansen’s backup or if she will take Grace Lyons’ spot at short.

Her best game last season was arguably versus Tulsa when she hit two home runs, drew two walks and had three RBIs. She had another two-homer game versus East Tennesee State.

She drove in five runs in that game to help her team get a win. No doubt about it, she comes with a lot of experience as she’s started every game since her freshman year in 2020.

Combine that with her hitting ability, she could be a factor at the designated player position for the Sooners who look to four-peat.

This addition comes after Oklahoma earned a commitment from transfer Paytn Monticelli Wednesday morning.

It’s unclear if the Sooners are done making moves, but with Patty Gasso, nothing is off of the table.

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