Home Runs Lead Softball to Run Rule

NORMAN, Okla. Led by three home runs, including a grand slam by Samantha Ricketts, the No. 5 Oklahoma softball team recorded its 12th run rule of the year as it handed a Centenary an 11-1 loss in six innings on Saturday at the OU Softball Complex. The Sooners turned right around and played UMKC in the finale of the OU Worth Tournament at approximately 4:45 p.m.

A complete recap of both games will be available following the second game.

Ricketts highlighted the offense with her 3-for-4 outing at the plate that included a grand slam. The sophomore first baseman finished with four RBI and also added a double. Additionally, Amber Flores and Savannah Long added a home run a piece. Flores finished with three RBI while Long added two.

OU sophomore hurler Morgan Hudsonpillar improved to 5-0 on the year after surrendering only two hits in six complete innings while striking out four and not allowing an earned run or a walk.

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Flores gave the Sooners the 3-0 lead in the top of the first with her three-run homer that hit off the left field foul pole. It marked the freshman's fourth homer of the year. Clean-up hitter Ricketts followed with a double to center field and scored on Susan Ogden's RBI single as OU pushed its lead to 4-0.

OU, the Big 12 leader in home runs, added another in the top of the third as Savannah Long pounded her second home run of the year, a two run shot over the left field fence that scored Mariee Mena, who reached on a single.

Centenary put its first run on the board after two costly errors by the Sooner defense. Lindsey Virdell led off the fifth and reached first after an error by third baseman Norrelle Dickson. On the ensuing play, CC's Lauren Flowers laid down a sacrifice bunt, but Hudsonpillar's throwing error to first allowed runners at first and third with no outs. Dana Davis followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to score Virdell and close the gap to 6-1. However, Hudsonpillar retired the final two batters of the frame as the Sooners escaped with Centenary only posting one run on the board.

Ricketts came through again in the top of the sixth as she pounded her second grand slam of the season over the right center field wall. It marked the sophomore's eighth home run of the year, a team best. The grand slam also marked the fifth of the year for the Oklahoma squad. Jessica Legendre added a pinch-hit RBI double down the right field line as OU extended its final lead to 11-1.

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