WATCH: Jayda Coleman robs home run in impressive fashion vs. Texas in WCWS Game 2
We know Oklahoma can hit. But the Sooners can also play defense, as Jayda Coleman proved in the first inning Thursday night.
Texas‘ Courtney Day thought she had a home run to extend the Longhorns’ lead in Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series, and so did everyone else at Hall of Fame Stadium. But Coleman had other plans, leaping to make an insane catch to take away the home run.
It was a big play considering Texas had a runner on base and it would’ve been an early 4-0 hole. Instead, Oklahoma kept it close as it went back to the plate.
Texas struck first in Game 1 on Wednesday before Oklahoma rattled off 16 unanswered runs to win the game 16-1. The Sooners can win their second straight WCWS title Thursday night with a victory. The Longhorns, meanwhile, will try to force a winner-take-all Game 3.
Texas strikes first in WCWS Game 2 vs. Oklahoma
Texas got to Oklahoma starter Jordy Bahl early on in Game 2, scoring two runs in the first inning to strike first for the second straight game.
Two sacrifice flies from Alyssa Washington and Mary Iakopo put the Longhorns on top against Bahl, the 2022 national freshman of the year. That gives starter Estelle Czech an early cushion as she faces Oklahoma for the first time this year.
In fact, during Game 1, Texas head coach Mike White acknowledged the decision to keep Czech on the bench even though the Longhorns used almost all of their pitchers. He hinted the second game might have played a factor in that decision.
“We’ve got to come back tomorrow,” White said. “We’ve got to try and save our arms a little bit. I’m sure Dolcini will be ready to go. We’ve got to look at it, we’ve got to make some adjustments. Obviously, they’re really tough. They’re making adjustments. That’s what makes them a great team.”