OU Softball Downs Kansas, 6-2

April 29, 2001

Lawrence, Kan.-- Seventh-ranked Oklahoma (40-7, 14-2 Big 12) scored three runs in the seventh and took advantage of two Kansas miscues for a 6-2 win over the Jayhawks (30-23, 9-6) on Sunday afternoon. The victory extended their winning streak to a season-high 13 games and means OU will be at least the No. 2 seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament.

OU starter Jennifer Stewart gave up the two runs on just four hits to raise her record to 28-3 on the year. The junior held KU hitless in the first, fourth and final two innings and struck out four in the complete game. Kansas starter Kara Pierce (20-9) dropped her second-consecutive contest after scattering six hits and giving up six runs, four of which were earned.

The Sooners jumped out to an early lead when they threw one run up in the first. Junior Christy Ring walked to first, stole second and scored on an Andrea Davis single through the right side. Senior Ashli Barrett advanced Davis with a single through the left, but both were left on base after Kansas starter Kara Pierce struck out Erin Evans to get out of the inning.

Another two runs came in the second on a pair of hits. With one out, Leah Gulla reached after getting hit by a pitch and advanced to second on LaKisha Washington's sacrifice bunt. Sophomore Kelli Braitsch got a single up the middle to score Gulla and then stole second. Ring followed her with another single up the middle to score Braitsch. After reaching second on the throw, Ring stole third but was left on base when senior Lisa Carey grounded out to the pitcher.

The Jayhawks got two runs back in the third when both Megan Urquhart and Leah Tabb hit balls in the infield to drive in runs.

OU loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh on back-to-back singles by Braitsch and Ring before Carey reached on an error by the shortstop. All three runners advanced on a passed ball to score Braitsch and give the Sooners a 4-2 lead. Ring scored on a wild pitch and Carey plated the final run when Barrett hit a ball to Urquhart at third, who sailed the throw right of first.

Braitsch and Ring both ended the day with 2-for-3 outings, two runs and an RBI. Davis and Barrett were the only other Sooners to record hits in the game.

Oklahoma will wrap up its regular season against Tulsa at the OU Softball Complex on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. It will also be senior night as the university honors its six graduating seniors: Barrett, Carey, Davis, Mandy Fulton, Washington and Jaime White.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors