Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma
Cowgirl Softball Falls To Oklahoma, 6-5
April 03, 2002 | Cowgirl Softball
April 3, 2002
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State's softball team was unable to hold off No. 9 Oklahoma, giving up five runs in the top of the seventh and falling, 6-5, in front of a record crowd of 1289 here Wednesday at Cowgirl Stadium.
The Cowgirls came out ready to play and led 5-0 after three. Senior Casey O'Neill started the charge in the first inning, sending a double to left center and advancing to third on a single to center by junior Stephanie Hodges.
The Sooners attempted to silence the Cowgirl bats early, sending Jennifer Stewart in to pitch, just three batters into the Cowgirl line-up.
Stewart responded by walking junior Ryan Realmuto and giving up an expensive base hit to freshman Megan Carey, as both Hodges and O'Neill scored on the play.
Junior Lauren Bay extended the Cowgirl lead to three, leading off the second with a long ball well over the left field fence.
The Cowgirl offense was still going strong in the top of the third, as they added two runs and increased their lead to five.
Realmuto led off with a single just out of Sooner shortstop Kelli Braitsch's reach and Jade Lindly stepped up to the plate and duplicated the hit.
Freshman Erika Ennis brought quickness to the bases, entering as a pinch runner for Realmuto. Carey moved the runners on a sacrifice bunt and Ennis demonstrated her speed, scoring on a wild pitch that also advanced Lindly to third.
A sacrifice fly to right field by sophomore Calli Behmer knocked Lindly home for the final Cowgirl run of the night.
After giving up five runs and six hits, Oklahoma made its second pitching change of the game, sending in freshman Kami Keiter.
Bay doubled down the right field line before Keiter struck out Nicci Quiroz to end the inning. Bay's double would prove to be the only run Keiter would give up as she held the Cowgirls hitless for the remainder of the game.
The Sooners were silent at the plate until the top of the sixth. Bay started inning by striking out Keiter and Jennifer Stump and walking Kaycee Clark. The walk would prove to be costly, as Clark advanced on a wild pitch and crossed the plate on a single by Christina Enea to score the first Sooner run of the game.
Trailing, 5-1, in the top of the seventh, Oklahoma mounted a rally, scoring five runs and emerging victorious. Bay walked Braitsch and Scaglione to lead off the inning. Erin Evans started the scoring frenzy, sending a single to center field and bringing Braitsch and Scaglione home and cutting the Cowgirl lead to two.
Keiter continued the rally, doubling to left field and moving Evans to third. Clark came up big for the Sooners, sending a single up the middle and knocking home two runs to tie the game.
Enea, who knocked in the first Sooner run of the game also had the game winning hit, a single to left field that scored Clark.
Bay (14-8) picked up the loss for the Cowgirls, fanning 10 batters, walking seven and allowing five runs.
"It was an emotional loss for us," said Head Coach Margaret Rebenar. "We gave up too many walks and allowed OU to gain momentum."
Oklahoma State falls to 22-12 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12, while Oklahoma improves to 32-8 overall and 5-0 in the Big 12. Following round one of Bedlam softball, OSU leads the Bank of Oklahoma Bedlam Bell race, 6-5.
"We have to be ready to play Wichita State tomorrow," said Rebenar. "It is a regional game and a win helps our chances in the postseason."
The Cowgirls return to action Thursday at 6 p.m. when they hosts Wichita State at Cowgirl Stadium.
Oklahoma 6, Oklahoma State 5 OU 000 001 5 - 6 5 1 OSU 212 000 0 - 5 7 0 Foster, Stewart, Keiter and Scaglione. Bay and Realmuto. WP: Keiter (8-4). LP: Bay (14-8). WC: Scaglione. LC: Realmuto. 2B: OU-Keiter, OSU-O'Neillo. HR: OSU-Bay. T- 2:25. Attn-1289.
