Streaking Softball Wins 10th Straight

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- The No. 13 Oklahoma softball team (12-4) extended its winning streak to 10 games with an 8-0 run-rule (five innings) victory over Michigan State (1-5) on Friday evening at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, Ga.

Senior Kami Keiter extended her scoreless innings streak to 28 by tossing a one-hit shutout. The lefty tossed her third consecutive shutout and improved to 5-1. She has held opponents scoreless since taking the loss to Florida (three runs) on Feb. 4.

“We wanted Kami to come out and give us momentum to start this tournament,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “She did exactly that. She had complete control and pin point accuracy tonight. I don't think Michigan State ever felt comfortable in the batter's box tonight.”

Box Score

Over the last 28 innings the Colorado native has allowed just 10 hits and struck out 26 batters. On this day she did not allow a single MSU runner to reach second base.

“Kami is benefitting from our deeper staff,” said Gasso. “She is much fresher and the results show that.”

Despite four walks in the first two innings, OU was only able to put one run on the board. Stacia Aleman (1-for-2) delivered an RBI single with two outs and the bases loaded in the second inning. The short rally ended when Keiter was thrown out as she tried to score on the play.

The Sooners opened the game up with a four run third inning. The senior class was responsible for two RBI and three of the runs. After Christina Enea (0-for-1) walked and Heather Scaglione (2-for-3) singled, Jessica Leslie (1-for-3) drove in her 14th run of the season. Then Scaglione scored on a wild pitch to Keiter, who drove in Leslie with a bloop single on the next pitch. Kristin Vesely (1-for-4) finished the rally with a RBI single that pushed the Sooners' advantage to 5-0.

The Sooners extended their current streak of scoring five or more runs to nine consecutive games. The current stretch is a school record. Five previous teams had streaks of seven games.

A pair of long balls sent Michigan State home early. The first was a towering home run to dead center in the fourth inning by Scaglione.

In the fifth inning, OU reached the run rule minimum when Tayl'r Hollis (2-for-2) hit a two-run shot to left field. It marks the third consecutive game that Hollis has put one out of the park.

OU will conclude Friday action at the NFCA Leadoff Classic at 7:30 p.m., when they face Lehigh. OU will open Saturday action at 9 a.m., against fellow 2004 WCWS participant Florida State.

Game Notes: Christina Enea had a career-high 11 game hitting streak snapped ... Vesely (nine), Leslie (seven) and Hollis (four) extended streaks .. OU's current win streak is the longest since an 18 gamer in 2003 ... Hollis, Scaglione and Hollis lead OU with a three home runs on the season ... OU has hit a home run in nine consecutive games and double in 10 straight ... The Sooners had an errorless streak of six games snapped.

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