Oklahoma sophomore Ella Parker delivered a stunning three-run walk-off home run, propelling the Sooners to a 4-3 victory over Tennessee at Devon Park in Oklahoma City on Thursday, May 29. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Parker connected on a 0-1 fastball from Tennessee's ace pitcher Karlyn Pickens, sending the ball over the centerfield wall and igniting celebrations among teammates and fans alike.
Elle Parker’s performance
Parker's heroics not only secured the win but also preserved Oklahoma's pursuit of a fifth consecutive national championship.
Her performance was especially notable against Pickens, who recently set an NCAA record with a 79.4 mph pitch during the Super Regionals. Despite Pickens' formidable presence on the mound, Parker managed to hit two home runs in the game, showcasing her resilience and skil.
"Going into it, I knew our fourth man was in fire. This team has done so much. We just battled and battled and battled. Just knowing that our fourth man was with us, I’m so emotional," Parker told ESPN's Holly Rowe after her walk-off home run.
Niece of Los Angeles Dodger manager Dave Roberts
Parker, the niece of Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, has been a standout player for Oklahoma. In her freshman year, she achieved a .415 batting average and was a top-three finalist for Freshman of the Year. Her connection to baseball runs deep, with Roberts having mentored her throughout her career.
The match summary
The game began with Tennessee taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a passed ball and a sacrifice fly. Oklahoma responded with Parker's solo home run in the bottom half of the inning. Tennessee extended their lead to 3-1 in the third inning, but Oklahoma's persistence paid off in the final inning. Ailana Agbayani drew a walk, followed by a single from Kasidi Pickering, setting the stage for Parker's decisive home run.
With this victory, Oklahoma advances to face No. 6 Texas on Saturday(May 31) at 3 p.m. ET in the winners' bracket of the WCWS, setting up a rematch of last year's championship series. Texas secured its spot with a 3-0 win over No. 3 Florida in its opening game.
Elle Parker’s performance
Parker's heroics not only secured the win but also preserved Oklahoma's pursuit of a fifth consecutive national championship.
Her performance was especially notable against Pickens, who recently set an NCAA record with a 79.4 mph pitch during the Super Regionals. Despite Pickens' formidable presence on the mound, Parker managed to hit two home runs in the game, showcasing her resilience and skil.
"Going into it, I knew our fourth man was in fire. This team has done so much. We just battled and battled and battled. Just knowing that our fourth man was with us, I’m so emotional," Parker told ESPN's Holly Rowe after her walk-off home run.
Niece of Los Angeles Dodger manager Dave Roberts
Parker, the niece of Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, has been a standout player for Oklahoma. In her freshman year, she achieved a .415 batting average and was a top-three finalist for Freshman of the Year. Her connection to baseball runs deep, with Roberts having mentored her throughout her career.
The match summary
The game began with Tennessee taking an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a passed ball and a sacrifice fly. Oklahoma responded with Parker's solo home run in the bottom half of the inning. Tennessee extended their lead to 3-1 in the third inning, but Oklahoma's persistence paid off in the final inning. Ailana Agbayani drew a walk, followed by a single from Kasidi Pickering, setting the stage for Parker's decisive home run.
With this victory, Oklahoma advances to face No. 6 Texas on Saturday(May 31) at 3 p.m. ET in the winners' bracket of the WCWS, setting up a rematch of last year's championship series. Texas secured its spot with a 3-0 win over No. 3 Florida in its opening game.
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