Softball Run Rules Kansas, 10-1

NORMAN, Okla. Kansas struggled defensively and the No. 21 Oklahoma softball team took advantage of all the miscues. The result was a five inning game in which the Sooners scored 10 unearned runs and claimed the 10-1 run-rule victory. With the win OU improved to 8-6 in Big 12 play and 34-16-1 overall, while the KU dropped to 3-9 in conference and 27-24-1 on the season.

The opener of the two-game conference set was a truly unique one. OU plated 10 runs without the use of an extra base hit. The Sooners' run total was also three higher than their hit total of seven. KU starting pitcher Kara Pierce allowed nine runs and was chased by the Sooners after 1.2 innings but actually improved her ERA, since none of the runs were earned.

Box Score | Marita Hynes Field Dedication

“I was very pleased with our timeliness today,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “We took advantage of their mistakes and continued to be aggressive.”

Sophomore Kristin Vesely and freshman Norrelle Dickson led off the game with infield singles. Dickson scored three batters later on an error by Jayhawk second baseman Jess Moppin. The inning should have been over, instead three more Sooners came to the plate including Jamie Fox and Mariee Mena, who both had RBI singles. After one inning OU was up 3-0.

A pair of errors by KU short stop Destiny Frankenstein opened the flood gates in the second inning. The Sooners scored six runs and led 9-0 after two frames. Sluggers Heather Scaglione (1-for-3, 2 runs, RBI) and Christina Enea drove in the first two runs of the inning.

Three batters later Mariee Mena (1-for-2, 1 run, 2 RBI) picked up an unintentional RBI as she was plunked with the base loaded. The biggest blow came next with Kami Keiter (1-for-2, RBI) at the plate. Keiter laced an opposite field single that went through the legs of KU left fielder Heather Stanley. Keiter picked up an RBI, while the error cleared the bases and gave OU the commanding 9-0 lead.

Scaglione scored the Sooners' 10th run on a wild pitch by KU reliever Seren Settlemier in the third inning.

Keiter (10-9) had an easy day in the circle thanks to OU's opportunistic offense. The only blemish on her afternoon was a solo home run by KU leadoff hitter Heather Stanley. She picked up her 16th complete game while allowing five hits and striking out five.

The game was preceding by a dedication ceremony for Marita Hynes Field. Hynes, who threw out the first pitch, was honored during a pre-game banquet that was emceed by OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. In attendance at the banquet were OU President David Boren, women's basketball head coach Sherri Coale and numerous other University dignitaries.

The Sooners and Jayhawks will play the final game of the weekend set at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. The first 100 fans in attendance at Sunday's game will receive free Sooner Schooner Bobbleheads.

Sunday's contest will be carried locally by radio station KREF (1400 AM), with Brian Brinkley on play-by-play. Fans can also access a live video feed of the game through the O-Zone on SoonerSports.com.

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