Oklahoma Hits, Houston Doesn't

HOUSTON, Texas -- The No. 12 Oklahoma softball team (5-4) put together an all-around effort by defeating Houston (1-5), 7-0, in Saturday afternoon action at the Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational. The pitching duo of Kami Keiter and Stacy Braddock held Houston to one hit, while an offense led by junior Kristin Vesely put the contest out of reach.

Oklahoma's offense did not miss a beat going into the second game of a tourney doubleheader. The Sooners jumped out to an early lead in their first at bat. Senior Christina Enea and sophomore Jamie Fox each drove in a first inning run to put OU ahead early at 2-0.

In the second inning a three-run double by Kristin Vesely chased UH starting pitcher Carla Kennimer (0-2) and put OU ahead 5-0. Enea added her second RBI on a squeeze bunt that put the Sooners up by a six spot. Vesely finished the day with a total of six RBI in two contests.

In the fourth inning OU increased its margin to seven when senior Heather Scaglione went yard for the first time this season with a mammoth shot to left field.

Senior Kami Keiter took the circle and dominated from the outset. The senior ace worked three innings and struck out two while holding the Cougars hitless. She did walk three batters, but none of them advanced past second base.

Box Score

Keiter was relieved by freshman Stacy Braddock, who had allowed just one earned run in 15 innings this season. Braddock was nearly perfect allowing just one hit and two base runners over the final four innings. Cougar first baseman Michelle Keith broke up the no hitter with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Braddock collected the win and improves to 2-2 on the season. She lowered her team leading ERA to 0.37.

The OU pitching staff has allowed four runs (three earned) in four Hilton Invitational games.

OU willl complete play in the Houston Hilton Plaza Invitational on Sunday at 9 a.m., when they face Houston for a second time.