TONIGHT’S GAME
OKLAHOMA CITY — The severe storms and tornadoes that hit Oklahoma on Friday have altered the schedule for the Women’s College World Series, postponing two games and threatening to push back others.
No. 5 Arizona State, originally scheduled to play No. 8 Michigan at 11:30 a.m. today, is tentatively set to play its game at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN, assuming the field at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium is in playable condition.
Both of Friday’s games were moved to early today, weather permitting.
ASU coach Clint Myers and team representatives
When: 6:30 p.m. Where: ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Oklahoma City. TV: ESPN. Inside: ASUMichigan scouting report. C8
confirmed that all players and staff were safe after taking shelter in an underground structure across the street from their hotel in Oklahoma City.
“We were pretty safe,” Myers said by phone Friday. “It was something that we’ll remember for a long time.”
Tornado warnings were issued early Friday evening, urging everyone in the Oklahoma City metro area to find shelter.
Heavy rain and fierce winds swept through the state, and multiple tornadoes touched down, causing severe damage in some parts.
Myers said the team immediately moved to safety after the warnings were issued, and despite being shaken up, everyone was in relatively good spirits after the storm had passed.
“We weren’t looking to take any chances,” he said. “We had a couple girls that were a little anxious, so we took care of them and stayed together as a team.”
One tornado came within a mile of the team’s location, and Myers said there was heavy damage to buildings in the area. He estimated there were 1,000 people that convened in the underground structure after the warnings were issued. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Oklahoma City. TV: ESPN. Michigan update: The Wolverines (50-12) lost their first game at this year’s College World Series, 7-1 to No. 1 Oklahoma on Thursday. The Sooners’ Keilani Ricketts pitched a no-hitter against the Wolverines, who scratched out a run when freshman Sierra Lawrence forced Oklahoma catcher Jessica Shults to drop a throw at home. Junior Caitlin Blanchard leads the Wolverines in hitting with a .387 average. Sophomore right-hander Sara Driesenga (30-7) has a 1.75 ERA and has pitched 2431⁄ innings this season.
After the recent tornado that caused severe destruction and deaths in nearby Moore, ASU was involved in the relief efforts, collecting donations and delivering them upon arriving for the WCWS.
Now the area is dealing with another natural disaster, with losses yet to be determined.
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers all go to the people that were affected,” Myers said.