Texas Tech Athletics
Oklahoma
Tech Drops 2-1 Decision to No. 5 Oklahoma
May 10, 2001 | Softball
May 10, 2001
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - The Texas Tech softball team took a one-run lead in the second, but watched the fifth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners scratch across a pair of runs for a 2-1 victory at the Big 12 Tournament Thursday evening.
Junior Carmen Grindell gave the Red Raiders a 1-0 lead with a solo blast to dead center field to leadoff the second, snapping a 13-inning scoreless streak against the Sooners for Tech. It was also the first homer allowed by the Sooners since March 30 against Nebraska.
The Sooners got back-to-back walks to start the third from LaKisha Washington and Kelli Braitsch, and both moved up on a sacrifice bunt from Christy Ring. Lisa Carey then blooped a single in front of a diving Sandy Butler in centerfield.
Tech shortstop Rebecca Eimen picked up the ricocheted ball and fired toward home plate, where Braitsch was trying to score from second. Braitsch appeared to be out, but was called safe by home plate umpire Lisa Harvey, prompting an argument from Tech head coach Bobby Reeves. But OU took a 2-1 lead after three complete innings.
Pitching dominated the rest of the contest, as Tech starter Amanda Renfro (30-17) allowed two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts in taking the loss. OU starter Jennifer Stewart (31-4) gave up one run on three hits and struck out five.
Tech plays Friday at 11 a.m. against Texas A&M in an elimination contest, and would play Oklahoma State with a victory.
