Game #1 Info: 5/28 @ 11:00 a.m. on ESPN
Final Score: Texas Tech 8, Mississippi State 0
Links: Recap | Box score
Key Pitchers: Nijaree Canady 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 SO; Kaitlyn Terry 1.0 IP
Key Hitters: Jackie Lis 2-3, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI; Mihyia Davis 2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI; Mia Williams 1-1, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB; Lauren Allred 1-2, 1 R, 1 RBI

Texas Tech jumped out early on Mississippi State with a Lis 2-run homer and never looked back. The Davis score at the plate was all hustle as was the Terry score to end it. Before you know it, Mississippi State was run-ruled and the game was over. And Taylor Pannell will face her former team in Tennessee and her former coach who accused Texas Tech of tampering.

Game #2 Info: Texas Tech vs. Tennessee, 5/30 @ 2:00 p.m. on ABC
Final Score:
Links: Recap | Box score
Key Pitchers:
Key Hitters:

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Potentially fatal flaw: Can they score? Tennessee has lost 10 games this season and scored three or fewer wins in all 10. While we’re at it, the Volunteers have scored three or fewer runs in 12 wins. They’re 104th nationally in runs per game, seventh among WCWS teams (and nearly a full run per game behind the sixth team). Only three primary batters have an OPS over 1.000, and no one has hit over 13 home runs. This is a rock-fight sort of team, but it’ll take a decent number of runs to make it past the semis.

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It’s a similar story for Tennessee pitchers Sage Mardjetko and Karlyn Pickens. Both first-team All-Americans, the pair are part of Tennessee’s three-headed pitching attack and will likely handle the majority of the innings in OKC. Mardjetko went four innings against Texas and only allowed one hit while Pickens got dinged a bit but helped close things out.

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“Victoria brings this team together,” said NiJaree Canady, who earned the win after throwing four scoreless innings. “A lot of what we’ve accomplished doesn’t happen without her. She is one of the most unselfish people I’ve known and doesn’t worry about getting credit for all the great things she does for our team.”

“It’s insane how much positive energy she brings to the team,” said Kaitlyn Terry, who drove in a run at the plate and threw one scoreless inning in the win. “It’s so different and appreciated. We need her. She keeps everyone going with her presence and attitude every day.”