Softball Wins Bedlam Battle

April 5, 2000

STILLWATER, Okla. -- The University of Oklahoma softball team defeated the Oklahoma State Cowgirls, 4-2, on opening night in the newly-renovated Cowgirl Stadium in Stillwater. OU improved to 41-5 overall and 5-0 in the Big 12, while OSU dropped to 27-13 overall and 4-3 in the conference.

The Sooners scored three runs on three hits and an error in the top of the third inning. Second baseman LaKisha Washington singled to reach base and then crossed home plate as first baseman Lisa Carey knocked a triple deep into right-center field. Catcher Ashli Barrett reached on a throwing error by the third baseman and advanced to second. Carey scored on the play. Cowgirl pitcher Lauren Bay walked Andrea Davis and Mandy Fulton, which brought centerfielder Erin Evans to the plate with the bases loaded. Evans singled to left field, scoring Barrett to give Oklahoma a 3-0 lead.

Oklahoma State got on the board with a single in the bottom of the inning. Third baseman Jenny Kipp doubled and then eventually scored on an error by OU shortstop Kelli Braitsch.

The Cowgirls threatened in the bottom of the fifth as Kipp recorded her second double of the evening and then scored on a fielder's choice by designated player Kirsty Jennings. Sooner hurler Jennifer Stewart, who was named this week's Big 12 Pitcher of the Week, worked herself out a jam in the inning. After walking OSU's Ryan Realmuto with two outs to load the bases, Stewart escaped a 3-0 count on second baseman Lezli Leathers. Leathers fouled off a pitch and then hit a ground ball to third base for the force out.

To lead off the top of the fifth, designated player Mandy Fulton hit the first-ever home run in the newly-renovated Cowgirl Stadium to give OU a 4-2 edge. The Sooner junior has now hit five home runs this season.

Stewart improved her record to 20-5 on the season and struck three batters in the win. Senior Lana Moran entered the game in the top of the sixth and recorded the team's first save of the season. She struck out two of the seven batters she faced.

OU returns to action this weekend across the Red River at Texas. The Sooners and the Longhorns will play Saturday and Sunday at noon.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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