Big 12 softball power rankings: Scenarios for OU, OSU & Texas to win regular-season title
Going into the final weekend of regular-season play, the Big 12 softball race is very much wide open.
OU, Oklahoma State and Texas are all bunched up near the top of the standings with Bedlam — the final conference series between the Cowgirls and Sooners — set for this weekend in Norman, while the Longhorns travel to Lubbock for a three-game series against Texas Tech.
While OU is a game up on Texas, the Longhorns hold the tiebreaker over the Sooners. Oklahoma State holds the tiebreaker over Texas.
Here’s a look at the scenarios for the top three spots heading into the final weekend.
OU (21-3 Big 12): Finishes first with a three-game sweep. Finishes first with 2-1 series win and at least one Texas loss. Finishes first with 1-2 series loss and at least two Texas losses. Finishes second with 2-1 series win and Texas sweep. Finishes second with OSU sweep and Texas Tech sweep. Finishes second with 1-2 series loss and Texas series win. Third in all other scenarios.
Texas (20-4 Big 12): Finishes first with sweep of Texas Tech and OU 2-1 series win. Finishes first with sweep and OSU sweep. Finishes first with series win and OSU 2-1 series win.
Finishes second with OU sweep. Finishes second with a 2-1 win or 1-2 series loss and OU 2-1 series win or OSU sweep. Third in all other scenarios.
OSU (19-5 Big 12): First with series sweep and at least one Texas loss. Second with 1-2 series loss and Texas Tech sweep. Second with sweep and Texas sweep. Second with 2-1 series win and Texas Tech series win. Third in all other scenarios.
Here’s a look at the final edition of the Big 12 softball power rankings:
More: Which OU, OSU softball players were named finalists for USA Softball Player of the Year?
1. Texas
Last week: 1
Record: 42-6, 20-4 Big 12*
Katie Stewart hit .727 with three home runs, 11 RBIs and 19 total bases with a 1.727 slugging percentage last week to earn Big 12 Player of the Week honors for the first time.
More: What milestones OU softball star Tiare Jennings reached, approached in sweep of UCF
2. Oklahoma
Last week: 2
Record: 45-4, 21-3 Big 12*
Kierston Deal continues to play a bigger and bigger role in the Sooners’ pitching staff, and earned a second consecutive Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honor, posting a 0.91 ERA in two appearances during OU’s three-game sweep at UCF.
More: Relive OU softball's run to three straight WCWS titles with our 'Crimson Empire' book
3. Oklahoma State
Last week: 3
Record: 42-8, 19-5 Big 12*
The Cowgirls have won 36 of their last 42, outscoring opponents 238-84 during that stretch. OSU is 9-1 in one-run games this season.
More: How Oklahoma State softball outfielder Scotland David got a special Senior Day moment
4. Kansas
Last week: 4
Record: 27-21-1, 11-13*
The Jayhawks’ Kasey Hamilton has thrown 148 ⅓ innings this season, 16 more than any other pitcher in the league.
5. Baylor
Last week: 5
Record: 28-19, 11-13 Big 12*
The Bears’ Shaylon Govan continues to lead the league in batting average (.444) and on-base percentage (.573) and is fifth in walks with 36.
6. UCF
Last week: 6
Record: 28-21, 10-14 Big 12*
Outside of the league’s big three, which all have sub-2.00 ERAs, the Knights have the best pitching of the seven remaining teams. UCF has a 3.06 team ERA.
7. Texas Tech
Last week: 7
Record: 28-17, 8-13 Big 12*
Arriana Villa was 5 for 8 in the Red Raiders’ series victory over Houston, including going 4 for 4 in Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Cougars.
8. BYU
Last week: 8
Record: 27-22, 8-16 Big 12*
The Cougars scored 20 runs in a three-game series against Baylor, but gave up 34 and were swept. BYU is third in the league with a .326 team batting average.
9. Iowa State
Last week: 9
Record: 18-28, 5-16 Big 12*
Angelina Allen’s numbers are among the best ever for a Cyclones’ player. She is tied for the Big 12 lead with 67 hits and leads the league in doubles with 18.
10. Houston
Last week: 10
Record: 25-26, 4-20 Big 12*
Junior Lair Beautae scored eight of Houston’s 16 runs during the series against Texas Tech. The Tennessee transfer has scored 11 runs over the last four games and has 55 runs this season, second-most in the conference.
*-Records through Tuesday
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Big 12 softball power rankings: OU, OSU and Texas vying for title
