The Lineup: Battles in the Bay, Top 15 SEC matchups
Two series in the Bay Area could shape the postseason. The SEC has three Top-15 matchups that will have seeding implications. Another top-tier series in the American takes centerstage.
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1. Texas Tech @ No. 6 Oklahoma State
Where: Stillwater, Okla.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: ESPN+
The Cowgirls are coming off the most disappointing series loss of the season against Iowa State, while Texas Tech is trying to add to its postseason resume. For Kenny Gajewski and company, it’s about seeing the young starters bounce back versus a pitching staff with a 7.78 ERA during Big 12 play. Tallen Edwards’ return should also be a boost for Oklahoma State.
2. No. 10 LSU @ No. 4 Tennessee
Where: Knoxville, Tenn.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: SECN (Fri.), ESPN2 (Sat & Sun)
LSU really needs this season. The Tigers have dropped four of their last five SEC series with a pair coming against the bottom of the conference. There has been a lack of consistency on offense, and having to face Karlyn Pickens and Payton Gottshall isn’t the right remedy. From the other perspective, Pickens has allowed more runs in her past five outings than she had the entire season.
3. No. 16 UCLA @ No. 5 Stanford – Softball America Series of the Week
Where: Stanford, Calif.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks (Fri & Sat), ESPN2 (Sun)
Neither of these teams had the greatest start to the season. However, Stanford is 31-3 since losing to Texas at the Clearwater Invitational. Yes, NiJaree Canady has been great but the Cardinal offense has found its way. Taryn Kern has turned her season around while Emily Jones and Ava Gall have been great in conference play.
Taylor Tinsley and Kaitlyn Terry will need to do their part to keep the Bruins in the game against Canady. The young duo is tied with Canady and Reagan Krause for the most complete games in the Pac-12 (16). Terry (1.97 ERA) and Tinsley (2.29 ERA) rank third and fourth in the conference in earned run average via the UCLA game notes.
4. No. 9 Missouri @ No. 11 Georgia
Where: Athens, Ga.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: SECN+ (Fri & Sun), SECN (Sat)
These two teams both appeared in this week’s edition of Tuesday Trends. Missouri’s success this season has been rooted in quality pitching from its starters and relievers – yes, the Tigers have two primarily designed relievers. While Georgia’s slump lately has been due to a lack of clutch hitting. Can the Bulldogs find more hits with runners in scoring position against all the different looks? Time will tell.
5. No. 13 Alabama @ No. 8 Arkansas
Where: Fayetteville, Ark.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: SECN+ (Fri), SECN (Sat), ESPNU (Sun)
Arkansas has had great efforts in the circle lately whether it be Morgan Leinstock or Robyn Herron. Whoever gets matched up with Kayla Beaver will need to be on top of their game. Alabama has yet to find an SEC series win against ranked competition, part of that being poor defense in critical moments or failing to give Beaver run support. The Razorback bats have also been better of late.
6. No. 14 Washington @ California
Where: Berkeley, Calif.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks
Washington hasn’t played its best softball lately, but neither has California. The Huskies have a chance to end the season on a high with the Bears, Stanford and Utah ahead. This should be a great time for Ruby Meylan and be the star for Washington.
7. No. 25 Kentucky @ Auburn
Where: Auburn, Ala.
When: April 20-22
What’s it on: SEC Network
Kentucky has started to find its way, and Auburn has too. Stephanie Schoonover has pitched well and has been a true workhorse for the Wildcats. Shelby Lowe is coming off her best weekend in the circle in a really long time. Maddie Penta is always primed for a good outing.
8. UCF @ Baylor
Where: Waco, Texas
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: ESPN+
Talk about two teams heading in opposite directions. UCF has won 10 straight games and found itself lately. At the same time, Baylor was just swept by Texas and lost to UT-Arlington. UCF is on a path to potentially the fourth seed in the Big 12 Tournament as Jada Cody is hitting like she did in 2022. The Bears must win games to stay at .500 to be eligible for an at-large bid.
9. Tulsa @ Charlotte
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: ESPN+
These two teams are in the thick of the American standings as first and sixth place are separated by three games. Both Tulsa and Charlotte sit a game back of FAU atop the standings. Charlotte would be in the postseason if it started tomorrow and Tulsa would be right on the cusp making this series even more important. Charlotte’s Ella Chancey and Tulsa’s Claira Skaggs have been two of the best hitters in conference play thus far.
10. Georgia Tech @ No. 18 Virginia Tech
Where: Blacksburg, Va.
When: April 19-21
What’s it on: ACCNX
If you like home runs, this is the series for you. The Yellow Jackets and Hokies rank in the top five nationally in hitting the long ball. Georgia Tech’s Mallorie Black leads the ACC with 18 home runs. Virginia Tech has five different players with 10 or more home runs this season including freshman Michelle Chatfield’s 17 blasts.
