The Lineup: SEC border battles, Pac-12 farewell
Every game matters for postseason implications now and these series are what we are watching this week.
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1. No. 21 Arizona @ No. 7 UCLA
Where: Los Angeles, Calif.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks
Unless these two meet in the conference tournament again, collegiate softball’s most storied rivalry happens one last time as Pac-12 foes. Arizona has won nine of its last 10 games. However, the Wildcats want nothing to do with Maya Brady. Last season, Brady homered in each game against Arizona including a multi-homer game in the Pac-12 Tournament.
2. No. 8 Arkansas @ No. 11 LSU
Where: Baton Rouge, La.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: SECN+
LSU can’t seem to buy an SEC series win, while Arkansas keeps winning them. The Tigers need Taylor Pleasants to get hot at the plate again. The offense seems to thrive when led by their star. Morgan Leinstock and Robyn Herron have traded phenomenal pitching weekends, if they’re both clicking it makes Arkansas a tough team to beat.
3. No. 9 Stanford @ No. 12 Washington
Where: Seattle, Wash.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: Pac-12 Networks (Fri & Sun), Washingon Live Stream
(Sat)
If Washington needs to win this series to have a chance to host. The Huskies might need to even win on a Sunday, which they haven’t done this season. NiJaree Canady lost twice to UCLA but she only made one mistake to Jordan Woolery. She can’t do it all herself and the Cardinal offense has to be better.
4. No. 14 Florida @ No. 10 Georgia – Softball America Series of the Week
Where: Athens, Ga.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: SECN+ (Fri), ESPN2 (Sat & Sun)
There is a chance there are a lot of runs scored in Athens. Keagan Rothrock has hit a bit of a freshman wall after a stellar start. Florida just allowed 12 runs in an inning against Florida State. Georgia’s pitching staff has had its struggles in SEC play and face Florida’s potent offense. If Georgia’s bats do get hot again at the right time it’ll bode well for the postseason.
5. No. 17 Mississippi State @ No. 13 Missouri
Where: Columbia, Mo.
When: April 27-29
What’s it on: SEC Network
Mississippi State’s week away from SEC play did not go well after losing to South Alabama and Samford by scoring two combined runs. The Bulldogs don’t exactly get the team to help cure those woes in Missouri. The Tigers have been solid all season and can bolster their postseason resume with another quality weekend.
6. No. 3 Tennessee @ No. 18 Alabama
Where: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: SECN+ (Fri), ESPN2 (Sat & Sun)
Will Alabama score runs? The Tide scored in one of 19 innings against Arkansas last week. Kaylyn Pickens and Payton Gottshall aren’t the pairing you want to face when you’re having offensive issues. Even if Alabama doesn’t win the series, any production against those two would boost confidence. Meanwhile, Tennessee can grow its lead in the SEC.
7. No. 2 Oklahoma @ UCF
Where: Orlando, Florida
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: ESPN+ (Fri & Sat), ESPNU (Sun)
UCF had its win streak snapped after scoring one run in the series against Baylor. The Knights aren’t exactly on the postseason bubble, but they shouldn’t feel like a lock. A better offensive showing against the Sooners in a 2022 Super Regional rematch. On the flip side of that, Oklahoma likely wants the pitching to continue the success it had against Houston.
8. Michigan @ Penn State
Where: University Park, Pa.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: B1G+
The loser of this series very well could miss the NCAA Tournament. Michigan has been nearly perfect in Big Ten play aside from the Northwestern series. Penn State is coming off a week where it was run-ruled twice. The Nittany Lions will have to earn their postseason spot because the Wolverines are trying to take it.
9. Clemson @ Louisville
Where: Louisville, Ky.
When: April 26-28
What’s it on: ACCNX
Valerie Cagle and Julia Knowler are officially back in the lineup for what should be good the rest of the year. It’d be nice to see Clemson close out with a good road showing, knowing that the Tigers will be heading to a regional and most likely one they’ve been to recently. Louisville still has an outside shot of earning an at-large bid but this series would be the most helpful.
10. Saint Louis @ Fordham
Where: Bronx, N.Y.
When: April 27-28
What’s it on: ESPN+
These are the top two home run-hitting teams in the A-10. Fordham’s Sydney Wells leads the conference with 12 blasts. Saint Louis has three players with at least seven homers; Abby Mallo, Kelsey Etling and Cami Newbanks. This series is pivotal for conference tournament seeding in the battle for the top spot with Dayton.
