Kevin Freeman | Lariat Photographer
By Cody Soto
Sports Writer
No. 7 Baylor softball has jumped out to a 9-0 start – the best record since the 14-0 season start in 2011. However, that spotless record will be put to the test as Baylor hosts No. 2 Oregon tonight at Getterman Stadium to kick off the 2015 Baylor Invitational.
This is the first ranked opponent the Bears will face this season, putting a lot of importance on the nationally televised matchup.
“We want to see how we match up against a team like Oregon, so this is a great opportunity to do that,” said head coach Glenn Moore. “They’re here in Texas, so it’s our time to step up our level of play.”
The Oregon Ducks (10-0) are perfect on the season so far, earning wins over No. 22 Texas A&M and No. 25 Texas.
Oregon is coming off a Women’s College World Series appearance where the Ducks lost a 2-0 decision in the national semifinals to runner-up Alabama.
With the 56-9 record in 2014, the Ducks have started this season as a top teams in the country.
“Our bullpen is going to be tested, and our hitters are going to be challenged,” Moore said. “They’re very capable of winning the national championship. It’s a good barometer for us to match up against someone who everyone expects to be there in the end.”
While this game serves as an important matchup in the Baylor’s non-conference schedule, the team isn’t treating this game any different.
“Coming out here and having the same approach against anyone is very important,” said junior designated hitter Linsay Hays. “It’s all about the name across our jersey rather than the team we’re playing. We’ve had a lot of contributors and girls who have stepped up from the bench. It’s been a great team effort.”
In an effort to draw a substantial crowd to Getterman Stadium, the Baylor vs. Oregon showdown will be a blackout game where the first 750 fans will receive free T-shirts for the game.
First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. today and will air on Fox Sports Southwest Plus.
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