STILLWATER, Okla. (OSU Athletics <http://www.okstate.com>) — The Oklahoma State softball team run-ruled Cleveland State 8-0 in six innings in the Cowgirls first game at the Mizuno Classic in Stillwater Friday evening. Sophomore Alysia Hamilton finished the night with four runs batted in and freshman Kelsey Anchors had three.
The Cowgirls (12-4) started the game with a bunt-single from sophomore Mariah Gearhart who advanced to second on a Viking error. After stealing third, Gearhart scored on a sacrifice fly by Hamilton. Katelyn Bright scored OSU's second run after getting on base with a walk and scoring on a ground ball by Sam Heinlein.
Oklahoma State scored four more runs in the third inning including two from a triple by Anchors. Gearhart walked in the next at-bat and both runners scored on a single through the left side by Hamilton. The last two runs of the game were scored on sacrifice flies by Hamilton and Anchors in the fifth and sixth innings. Senior Kati Phillips hit a double to lead off the sixth inning and scored from third on a deep fly ball to right field by Anchors.
Junior Anna Whiddon started in the circle for the Cowgirls and picked up the win to improve to 6-3. She threw five shutout innings giving up only two hits, one walk and struck out six. Sophomore Alex Villalobos came in the sixth inning to relieve Whiddon and finished the shutout. Amanda Macenko threw for the Vikings (5-6) and received the loss falling to 4-5.
OSU will play two games tomorrow in the second day of the Mizuno Classic. They will face Drake at 5 p.m. and Northern Colorado at 7 p.m.
Mizuno Classic Day One Results
Northern Colorado 5, Drake 9
Northern Colorado 13, Cleveland State 15
Drake 3, Arkansas 6
Cleveland State 0, Oklahoma State 8
Mizuno Classic Day Two Schedule
10:00 – Cleveland State vs. Arkansas
12:00 – Cleveland State vs. Drake
2:30 – Northern Colorado vs. Arkansas
5:00 – Oklahoma State vs. Drake
7:00 – Oklahoma State vs. Northern Colorado
