The Lineup: Bedlam, A&M-Florida headline regular season finale
Most eyes will be in Norman for Bedlam, but there are series around the nation with plenty of postseason implications.
1. BYU @ Kansas
Where: Lawrence, Kan.
When: May 2-4
What’s it on: ESPN+
Kansas was the last team in our latest bracketology. The Jayhawks really need a sweep against BYU, the 60th team in the RPI, to feel good about their chances heading into the Big 12 Tournament. Kansas will need to pitch well against the explosive Cougar lineup led by Ailana Agbayani, Huntyr Ava and Violet Zavodnik.
2. No. 13 Georgia @ No. 23 Mississippi State
Where: Starkville, Miss.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: SECN+ (Fri & Sat) & SECN (Sun)
Both these teams are struggling as of late. Mississippi State’s high-powered offense needs a charge after minimal production the past few weeks. The Georgia lineup has had its own struggles in conference play as Jayda Kearney is the only qualified batter with an OPS over .900. The team that comes out on top will get a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the SEC Tournament.
3. No. 5 Oklahoma State @ No. 2 Oklahoma – Softball America Series of the Week
Where: Norman, Okla.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: FS1 (Fri), ESPN (Sat), ESPN2 (Sun)
Plenty of storylines exist for this final Big 12 showdown between the two rivals. Kelly Maxwell facing her former team after an eventful offseason certainly leads the way. We should see Maxwell versus Lexi Kilfoyl in the circle on Friday. This is also a chance for Oklahoma State to put away their road woes this season, especially knowing they might travel for a Super Regional.
4. No. 4 Texas A&M @ No. 12 Florida
Where: Gainesville, Fla.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: SECN+ (Fri), SECN (Sat), ESPN2 (Sun)
Texas A&M and Florida both rely heavily on one pitcher in Emiley Kennedy and Keagan Rothrock, respectively, and we’ll be seeing a lot of them this weekend. Each team has a legitimate shot of making their case for a better seed come postseason with both appearing to be locks to host. The biggest key will be if A&M’s offense can be more consistent on the road.
5. Oregon @ No. 9 Stanford
Where: Stanford, Calif.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks
This series likely doesn’t impact a whole lot from the postseason side. Stanford’s metrics point to a Top Eight seed, while Oregon will be hitting the road as a dangerous two seed in a regional again. This series might not have a ton of NiJaree Canady as Stanford could throw its other arms against a good lineup to gain more confidence when called upon in the postseason.
6. Indiana @ No. 20 Northwestern
Where: Evanston, Ill.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: Big Ten Network (Fri & Sun), B1G + (Sat)
Northwestern has yet to lose a game at home this season, but the Wildcats host a desperate Indiana team on the bubble. There will be a good amount of runs scored in Evanston except when Ashley Miller has the ball, but even then, the Hoosier lineup can still find ways to scratch something across.
7. North Texas @ Charlotte
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: ESPN+
This series could decide the regular season crown in the American. Charlotte has won 11 straight and is tied with FAU atop the standings. North Texas sits one game back and has the series win over the Owls already this season. North Texas’ pitching duo of Skylar Savage and McKenzie Wagoner has been stellar in AAC series, but they’ll have their hands full against the hot bats of Arianna Rodi, Ella Chancey and Cori Hoffler.
8. Penn State @ Rutgers
Where: Piscataway. N.J.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: B1G+
Penn State isn’t guaranteed a tournament spot and, after allowing 13-plus runs three times the past two weeks, things get tricky against a solid Rutgers lineup. The Nittany Lions can’t afford a series loss, even with a decent RPI. This is another opportunity for Morgan Smith to make her case for Big Ten Player of the Year.
9. No. 14 Washington @ Utah
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks
Washington is on the hosting bubble and Utah is on the at-large bubble. Every pitch is going to matter to these two programs. The Utes are coming off a disappointing series loss to Oregon State, while the Huskies competed against NiJaree Canady twice. Washington’s bats will need to produce as Utah tends to score more at home.
10. Tulsa @ FAU
Where: Boca Raton, Fla.
When: May 3-5
What’s it on: ESPN+
Florida Atlantic has a good season, but without the conference tournament auto-bid the Owls might be on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament. The Owls will need to protect home turf against a good Tulsa team that has a chance to make the tournament as well with strong results in Boca Raton.
