Oklahoma (24-23, 8-10) is back at its home ballpark for the final time this season as it hosts No. 7/8 Texas Tech (31-11, 10-8) for a three-game set this weekend.
The Sooners have had as much of an up and down year as you could possibly have. This season has featured some very high high’s and some very low low’s, leaving most unsure of what Oklahoma team they are going to get from game to game. One thing that is undeniable is that when they are playing their best, they can beat some of the best in the country. But when things aren’t on track, it’s not always pretty.
The Red Raiders, meanwhile, are among the elite teams in college baseball and have aspirations of Omaha in their future. Due to COVID-19 issues with Illinois-Chicago, Texas Tech has not taken the field since they matched up with the Sooners in Amarillo a week and a half ago. So they’ll be looking to knock off a little rust and get things rolling again with the postseason nearing.
In a bold move from head coach Skip Johnson, the starting rotation for this weekend has gotten an overhaul. Preseason All-American closer Jason Ruffcorn is stepping into a starting role on Friday night. Normal Sunday-starter Braden Carmichael is going to get the nod on Saturday and the finale is still undetermined at this point, although it can probably be safely assumed Wyatt Olds and Jake Bennett will see innings in that game in some fashion or another.
Center fielder Tanner Tredaway is not expected to return to the team this weekend as he recovers from injury. He has missed the last seven games. Shortstop Brandon Zaragoza was described as being “day to day” by Johnson as he nurses an ankle injury sustained against Oklahoma State.
For the final home series of the year for the Sooners, here is everything you need to know:
Game 1 – Friday
PITCHING MATCHUP: Oklahoma RHP Jason Ruffcorn (4-1, 1.43) vs Texas Tech LHP Patrick Monteverde (6-2, 3.26)
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Norman, Oklahoma (L. Dale Mitchell Park)
HOW TO WATCH: SoonerSports.tv (Toby Rowland & George Frazier)
HOW TO LISTEN: Sooner Sports Radio Network – SportsTalk 99.3 FM/1400 AM KREF; Tune In Radio App; Sportstalk1400.com (Taylor Maples & Blake Brewster)
Game 2 – Saturday
PITCHING MATCHUP: Oklahoma LHP Braden Carmichael (6-1, 3.88) vs Texas Tech RHP Micah Dallas (2-2, 3.30)
WHEN: 2 p.m. CT
HOW TO WATCH: Bally Sports Oklahoma (Toby Rowland & George Frazier)
HOW TO LISTEN: Sooner Sports Radio Network – SportsTalk 99.3 FM/1400 AM KREF; Tune In Radio App; Sportstalk1400.com (Taylor Maples & Blake Brewster)
Game 3 – Sunday
PITCHING MATCHUP: Oklahoma TBA vs Texas Tech LHP Mason Montgomery (2-3, 4.62)
WHEN: 2 p.m. CT
HOW TO WATCH: SoonerSports.tv (Toby Rowland & George Frazier)
HOW TO LISTEN: Sooner Sports Radio Network – SportsTalk 99.3 FM/1400 AM KREF; Tune In Radio App; Sportstalk1400.com (Taylor Maples & Blake Brewster)