Patty Gasso on Kelly Maxwell pitching Game 2: 'She's not going to walk away from this opportunity'

Patty Gasso is ready for Kelly Maxwell to pitch Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series. That’s despite already pitching Game 1 in its entirety and eight innings against Florida to get to the finals.

Gasso has no doubts about Maxwell’s ability in a close out game to win a fourth straight national title. She might be the best built pitcher for the moment.

It’s all trust between Gasso and Maxwell.

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“It’s a trust because her dream has been — she’s never been this far, and when now you’re in the championship series, adrenaline took over for her, as well,” Gasso said postgame.

“But she’s not going to walk away from this opportunity. Our training staff, Amar, Kennedy, our doctors have done a great job just getting her prepared for what’s coming. They’re going to continue to do it.”

Maxwell went seven innings, gave up just four hits, one earned run and had eight strikeouts in the 8-3 win over the Longhorns.

“I asked her if she wanted the ball. She looked at me like, Duh. I’m like, Okay, we’re good,” Gasso said. “It’s fun to watch her live in the space right now. She’s having a blast. She’s pushing herself internally to places I don’t think she’s ever been before. It’s beautiful to see really.”

JUst like Maxwell, Gasso was all business and that’s the approach for Game 2. A win will clinch a fourth straight title, making Oklahoma the only team to accomplish that feat.

“Yeah, just a very good, well-played game by the Sooners,” Gasso said. “Everything was working, offense. I love how we scored right out of the gate. Kelly was masterful all game. Defense, Avery Hodge made some really good plays. It was just a really well-played game. We capitalized on mistakes.

“You see us here, and we’re not over-jubilant because we know there’s still a lot of work to do against a very, very good team that has very good pitchers, very good hitters. I mean, we know what’s in front of us still. So you don’t see us celebrating. There’s still a lot of work to do. But proud of the approach that we had today, the energy, the effort, just the fact that we kind of punched first was important for us.”

Oklahoma and Texas square off in Game 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET.