Patty Gasso announces Karlie Keeney will start Game 2 vs. Texas, Oklahoma will use 'tag-team' in circle

To get within a win of the first four-peat in Women’s College World Series history, Kelly Maxwell led the charge for Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State transfer pitcher threw complete games on back-to-back games to keep the Sooners’ championship hopes in sight, throwing 267 pitches over two days.

However, she won’t get the start in Game 2 of the championship series Thursday night. Patty Gasso announced Karlie Keeney will get the nod, although it’ll be a similar approach to the one Texas took in Game 1 of the final Wednesday night with a “tag-team” in the circle. It could lead to Maxwell jumping in the circle once again, though.

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“We’re gonna start Karlie Keeney,” Gasso told ESPN’s Holly Rowe prior to first pitch. “Liberty transfer, keeps the ball down, does a good job of mixing in a little bit of speed. She’s been waiting for this moment, so I’m excited for her. But I’ve got a whole corral of pitchers ready to come in and help. Kelly could be seen today, as well, but she’s been going quite a bit.”

Keeney, a graduate transfer from Liberty, made 29 appearances before stepping into the circle Thursday night. She brought a 6-1 record into the game along with a 1.66 ERA and a save this season. A year ago with the Flames, Keeney was an All-ASUN selection before entering the transfer portal and making her way to Norman.

Gasso praised Maxwell’s efforts to get Oklahoma to this position, but didn’t want to repeat what happened in 2017. That’s when Paige Parker led the Sooners to the first of two straight titles in 2016, making 47 appearances throughout the season.

It put a strain on her arm, and Gasso said that’s what she wants to avoid with Maxwell by throwing her three consecutive days this week.

“There’s one pitcher back in the day named Paige Parker who won us a national championship, but it was at a price and I was very uncomfortable with that,” Gasso said. “We have to have other pitchers that can do the job, and I know these guys can. But Kelly will be available if needed, for sure.”

Oklahoma got off to a hot start in Game 1 against Texas en route to the 8-3 victory. It was exactly what Patty Gasso wanted when she said she wanted to “pour everything” into the matchup. As for how the Sooners will attack Game 2, Gasso said the momentum needed to carry over.

“Don’t think we change a thing,” Gasso said. “Game plan worked out really well, just trying to attack early. Things will be a little bit different on the mound. We’ve got to do a tag-team, very similar to Texas. Still got to hit.

“Got to hit, play great defense – which we did. Just have to play a hard-nosed, clean game.”