Softball Splits Series With Tigers

March 26, 2003

NORMAN, Okla. - In the Big 12 home opener for the Sooners, Oklahoma gave up the first game in the twinbill, 2-0, but rallied to salvage a split with Missouri in the nightcap, 5-1.

OU (28-5, 4-2 Big 12) didn't score a run for just the second time this season in the opening 2-0 loss to the visiting Tigers. The teams traded scoreless innings until Mizzou finally broke the deadlock in the top of the fifth.

With two outs, MU rightfielder Kristen Burke singled to reach first, then stole second. Joanne Loethen (2-for-3) hit a double to plate Burke and the Tigers were up, 1-0.

Missouri (18-12, 3-1 Big 12) added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. Again facing two outs, Jeni Schellert (1-for-3) got things going for the Tigers with a single. The situation got a little messy for the Sooners after that.

First baseman Christina Enea scooped up a line drive by Ashley Hays but dropped the ball as Hays darted past her to reach first. Shortstop Kelli Braitsch grabbed the ball as it rolled towards the mound but overthrew Leah Gulla at third and Schellert dashed home. When the dust settled, Missouri had a 2-0 lead.

The Sooners were unable to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh and Kami Keiter recorded just her second loss of the season to drop to 17-2.

Keiter fanned nine MU batters without issuing a walk and gave up one earned run and seven hits. Missouri pitcher Erin Kalka struck out six Sooners while walking one. Kalka improved to 11-5 on the season with the victory.

In the nightcap, Oklahoma regained its form and won, 5-1.

Both teams scored runs in the second stanza but OU's Leah Gulla belted her seventh home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth to break open the 1-1 game.

MU's initial score was a home run by Morgan LeCluyse in the top of the second. OU answered when Kami Keiter singled to RBI Christina Enea.

The Sooners surged ahead in the fifth on the strength of Gulla's bat. Jessica Leslie, pinch hitting for April Valdez, started the inning off with a single to reach first. Erin Evans then singled to push Leslie to second. Both runners advanced again on a sacrifice bunt by Kristin Vesely.

Kelli Braitsch reached on a fielder's choice as the Tigers tagged Leslie out at home. With runners on the wings, Gulla notched her seventh homer of the season to give Oklahoma the 4-1 lead.

OU added a run in the bottom of the sixth for good measure. Nikki Holt, pinch running for Heather Scaglione, stole second on a gutsy dive into the dirt and scored when Kami Keiter hit her third double of the season.

Keiter shut down the Tiger bats in the seventh. The lefty improved to 18-2 on the season, fanning eight batters while giving up two walks, five hits and one run. Erin Kalka dropped to 11-6 with the loss.

Oklahoma hosts Baylor in a weekend series as the Big 12 slate continues for the Sooners. OU plays the Bears at Noon on Saturday and again on Sunday.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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