weekend

Coming off an excellent 2021 season, Kiley Naomi only hit six homers, batted .224 and had an OPS of .709 in 2022.

But to begin 2023, Naomi is back to her old self; batting .458 and hit four home runs — including a grand slam against Louisiana — at the Clearwater Invitational last weekend.

If Naomi could replicate even 75% of that production, she will be one of the best shortstops in the country and the best hitter on an OSU lineup capable of winning a national championship.

Ivy

Coach Kenny Gajewski said Ivy Rosenberry was a hidden gem in the transfer portal. The right-handed junior can reach up to 72 mph on her drop-fastball, but her stats haven’t reflected her talent.

In just six innings pitched as OSU’s No. 3 pitcher, Rosenberry allowed 10 hits, five earned runs and only struck out five. Hitters are also batting .357 off her in two games so far.

Ace Kelly Maxwell and No. 2 Lexi Kilfoyl will take up most of OSU’s innings later in the season, but in the early parts of the year, the Cowgirls will rely on Rosenberry to win games while the other two pitchers are off.

Rosenberry’s battery mate, Schneidmiller didn’t play at all in her freshman season, but has been OSU’s second catcher in 2023.

In only nine plate appearances, Schneidmiller is batting .375 with a 1.194 OPS and a home run against Michigan on Saturday.

Starting catcher Taylor Tuck has started the season slow, with only one hit in 12 plate appearances, so Schneidmiller may get more time behind the plate in the nonconference schedule.

Before her only start of the Clearwater Invitation vs No. 9 Virginia Tech, Kilfoyl allowed zero runs and struck out 12 in 7.1 innings. But against the Hokies, Kilfoyl allowed six runs on 10 hits in five innings. At the plate last weekend, she only collected two hits.

None of OSU’s opponents this weekend are even receiving votes in the rankings, so Kilfoyl will have a chance to regain some confidence in the circle and batter’s box.

Kyra Aycock and Bailey Runner OK, I’m cheating by placing two players together, but both have the same opportunity this season. Mostly coming out of the bullpen, Aycock and Runner have combined for 13.2 innings, 12 runs and 16 hits allowed.

Gajewski has even kept them both in close games late and doesn’t show signs of decreasing his confidence this weekend. Expect both pitchers to throw in most of the games this weekend to preserve Maxwell and Kilfoyl’s arms.