Ware leads Sooners out of early batting slump
NORMAN — Brylie Ware has been one of Oklahoma's best hitters through the first 17 games of the season, batting .339 with 12 RBI.
In his last three games entering this weekend's home series against Missouri State, Ware is hitting .643 with six runs and six RBI.
Before the series vs. Missouri State begins Friday, Ware spoke with The Oklahoman about his hot streak, the offense's recent spark and breaking out of slumps.
Q: The offense as a whole has performed much better recently than in the early part of the season. What's been the difference?
A: “Just sticking with the plan is what the coaches have preached on. Don't get out of our process. When we stick within what we know how to do, that helps.”
What have been some of the specifics that have helped?
“Just having confidence in each other. That and being prepared and getting our foot down. Getting our foot down and being on time was the big one. A lot of guys were trying to do too much at the plate. When we just work on our quality ABs, that's when we do our best.”
Do you have any superstitions to break out of slumps?
“I have some weird stuff. Starting on Saturday of the Rice series, my pregame warmup music has been Disney. I've just listened to Disney songs.”
Which ones?
“Bare necessities is a big one. Chin Chim Cheree from Mary Poppins. It kind of puts me in that relaxing mood and allows me to go out and have fun. Some of the guys joke about it all the time with me. ... I know some other guys have some other superstitions that they do. A
lot of baseball players are superstitious. ... We have all the VHS tapes still of The Jungle Book and Mary Poppins and all of that. It just kind of brings me back to when I (started) playing baseball. When I think back to those songs, I always think of having a good time on the field.”
Outside of the music, what's been the key for you lately?
“Just getting my foot down. Coaches have been working with me on staying more on top of the baseball and not trying to hit home runs. That's worked out a lot for me. It's more of a line-drive approach and then I can get hold of some.”