Patty Gasso describes sense of urgency while losing to Florida

Oklahoma is in unfamiliar territory in the Women’s College World Series, down three runs to Florida in the fourth inning. Patty Gasso is used to seeing her team dominate in Oklahoma City. But Florida is putting up a good fight and attempting to force one final game to earn a spot in the WCWS Championship Series.

ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked Gasso about the sense of urgency coming from the Oklahoma dugout. Gasso is using the scenario as a teaching moment, though. The Sooners “need” to learn how to play from behind and claw back into a game.

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After all, worst-case scenario, there is another game to be played.

“This is good for us,” Gasso said. “We need to learn how to come back. We haven’t made very great plays. They’ve had some very nice, timely hits. So, we got to bow up.”

Oklahoma has won 20 consecutive NCAA Tournament games, going back a few years. Winning national championship — at times with relative ease — has become normal under Gasso. Going back-to-back-to-back these past three seasons has set an incredibly high standard.

Win or lose, there is a lesson Gasso can teach her team after the game. While she wants to come from behind and get the victory, playing through some adversity could wind up benefitting the Sooner long-term.

Patty Gasso explains pitching change in fourth inning vs. Florida

Gasso decided to give Nicole May the start on Monday afternoon. But May lasted just two innings, giving up four runs on six hits, a walk, and just two strikeouts. Not the best performance for her, forcing a pitching change from the head coach.

Kierston Deal is now in the circle for Oklahoma, hoping to keep them in the game. Gasso explained the decision to move on from May and her hopes for Deal.

“They were just tagging Nicole a little bit,” Gasso said. “Just hard hit balls. If we can keep ourselves within three runs, we have a chance. We can’t let it get too far away.”

It’s not too hard to imagine a world where the Oklahoma bats come to life over the final three innings. Oklahoma is averaging over six runs per game in the NCAA Tournament, dating back to the Norman Regional.

Keeping Florida at bay with four runs could play a huge factor in the next game being the ‘If necessary’ one or the WCWS title series.