Ricketts Picks up Win as U.S. Defeats Australia

July 22, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- Oklahoma's Keilani Ricketts and Jessica Shults along with the rest of the USA Women's Softball Team picked up their second win of the World Cup of Softball with a 5-2 win over Australia Friday nights. The U.S. improved to 2-0 as Rickets picked up the win in the circle for the Americans. Ricketts pitched 1.1 innings beginning in the sixth while Chelsea Thomas got the save for the U.S. after facing the final batter of the game.

Ricketts entered the game for Jordan Taylor in the top of the sixth with runners on first and second with one out. After giving up an unearned run on a single by Jodie Stevenson, Ricketts struck out Verity Long-Droppert before forcing Jade Wall out. The bottom of the sixth saw the Americans give Ricketts support with the bats as they plated three runs highlighted by a Valeria Arioto triple that brought in two runs.

After forcing the first two Australian batters to ground out in the top of the seventh, Ricketts walked Stacey Porter and gave up a single to Jodie Bowering before being replaced in the circle by Thomas. Thomas struck out Chelsea Forkin to end the game and give the U.S. their second win in as many days.

Shults, Ricketts and the rest of the U.S. team return to action Saturday at noon in a border battle as they take on Canada. The game is the first of two on the day at Hall of Fame Stadium for the Americans as they face Japan at 8 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Ricketts Picks up Win as U.S. Defeats Australia

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