O'Donnell's Grand Slam Lifts Cowgirls to 4-3 Victory

Wednesday, March 9

Stillwater, OK

6:30 PM

Oklahoma State University

8-11

Wichita State

9-9

Wichita State

Oklahoma State

March 09, 2016 | Cowgirl Softball

Box Score

STILLWATER, OKLA – Randee O'Donnell's second-inning grand slam lifted the Oklahoma State softball team to a 4-3 victory over Wichita State on Wednesday in a midweek non-conference battle at Cowgirl Stadium.

Brandi Needham led off the night in the circle for the Cowgirls with a five-strikeout performance, leading to her third victory of the season. Needham's five K's were her most this season since tossing a season-high seven strikeouts in the team's season opener on Feb. 12.

"Our kids in the circle have had gutsy performances," head coach Kenny Gajewski said. "They've been better over the last couple of weeks, and they're starting to make good pitches a lot more often."

Red Reasnor got things going for the Cowgirls in the bottom of the second when she reached on an error by Wichita State shortstop Kelli Spring. Tiffany Mikkelson and Darcy Taylor followed with singles, bringing up a bases-loaded situation for O'Donnell. The sophomore from Tahlequah, Okla., delivered a shot to left field for a grand slam, providing the only runs for the Cowgirls on the night.

O'Donnell's four-bagger was her second home run of the season, and her first since Feb. 13 against Abilene Christian. It was also O'Donnell's first-career grand slam, and Oklahoma State's second of the season.

Wichita State answered back with a run in the top of the third on an RBI single from Cacy Williams, and scored in the fifth with a bases loaded, fielder's choice groundout from Mackenzie Wright.

"We made a lot of plays, and there were some tough outs," Gajewski said. "They're a scrappy team, and they're very well-coached. I'm just happy that we came out on the right side."

In the bottom of the fifth, Taylor Lynch led off with a double to right-center. The freshman went 2-for-3 on the night, pushing her average to a season-high .340, a mark that leads the team.

The Cowgirls came up empty, though, as Reasnor popped up to first and Tiffany Mikkelson hit a line drive right at first baseman Cacy Williams, who then doubled off Madi Sue Montgomery at first.

In the top of the sixth, Kacy Freeze came on in relief for Needham. With a runner on first base, WSU's Brittany Fortner hit an RBI double to the right-center wall that brought the Shockers within one. However, Freeze fired back with a strikeout and a groundout to end the inning.

With runners on first and second and two outs in the seventh, Freeze finished the game off with a strikeout, clinching the victory for the Cowgirls. It also marked the senior's second save on the season, while Needham moved to 3-6 with the victory.

Vanessa Shippy's 11-game hitting streak came to an end tonight against the Shockers, but the sophomore extended a streak of reaching base safely in 16-consecutive games this season.

The Cowgirls continue their home stand in Stillwater this weekend as they host Cleveland State University and Miami (OH) for the Mizuno Classic.