Cowgirls Shut Out Aggies, 4-0

Saturday, March 31

Stillwater, Okla.

4:00 PM

Oklahoma State University

17-14, 2-4

Texas A&M

24-10, 4-2

Texas A&M

Oklahoma State

March 31, 2012 | Cowgirl Softball

Box Score

March 31, 2012

Final Stats

Stillwater, Okla. -- Julie Ward knocked in the game winning run and Simone Freeman allowed just three hits in 6-1/3 innings as Oklahoma State's Cowgirl softball team defeated the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies 4-0 here Saturday afternoon in Big 12 Conference action.

The Cowgirls and Aggies had what appeared to be another pitching duel through the first 5-1/2 innings of play. Freeman squared off against A&M's Mel Dumezich, who picked up the win on Friday night. OSU had just one baserunner through the first three innings before Sammy Jo Diffendaffer got the Cowgirls' first hit of the game with a drive to centerfield to lead off the fourth.

A&M's offense was just as anemic against Freeman, who didn't allow a hit until the third inning, when Emily Albus hit a line drive to left field. However, Tamara Brown made a perfect throw home as Natalie Villarreal tried to score from second. Meagan May had a two-out single in the sixth, but was stranded as well.

Oklahoma State's bats came to life in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Diffendaffer struck out swinging, but reached first when the pitch she swung at was in the dirt. Brown followed with a base hit up the middle, putting runners at first and third. Ward hit a grounder just past the outstretched glove of Nicole Morgan at first, driving in Diffendaffer.

OSU added an insurance run on a double by Chelsea Garcia, forcing Dumezich from the circle. Lauren Ainsley came on in relief, and gave up a two-run hit to pinch hitter Amy Graham for the 4-0 lead.

After Freeman gave up a leadoff double to Dumezich to start the seventh and a walk with one out, Kat Espinosa came in and got the next two batters out to end the game and pick up her second save of the season.

Oklahoma State (17-14 overall, 2-4 Big 12) and Texas A&M (24-10, 4-2) will play the series-deciding game on Sunday at noon at the Cowgirl Softball Complex.