Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Oklahoma
No. 6 Oklahoma Completes Series Sweep Over Texas Tech
March 29, 2015 | Softball
March 29, 2015
Oklahoma (28-5; 3-0) brought across six runs in the opening frame, one of two big innings for the Sooners, who also plated 11 runs in the fifth to secure their second run-rule victory of the series. The 27 combined runs marked the most ever in the series between the two schools.
Oklahoma scored nine runs in the first two innings alone, essentially erasing a nice start from Tech where the Red Raiders scored two runs in the opening inning and then added four more in the second. Tech was previously 13-2 this season when scoring four of more runs in an inning.
Both pitching staffs struggled with command early as the two teams combined to either walk or plunk 16 batters over the first two innings alone. Tech scored both of its runs in the first off back-to-back free passes delivered to Ashley Fultz and Brittany Lee from OU starter Kelsey Stevens.
Kierra Miles began Tech's scoring in the bottom half of the second with a two-run single up the middle. It was Miles' second multiple-RBI game of the series and her third in the past four games.
Lee brought home another run later in the second off another free pass as she was hit by a pitch once again with the bases loaded. Susan Welborn immediately followed with an RBI single to left field, one of four Tech hits on the day.
Oklahoma turned to left-hander Paige Parker (13-3) in relief to shut down the Red Raiders over the final three frames as she picked up the win after allowing just one hit off five strikeouts in 3.2 shutout innings. Parker also earned the win in Friday night's series opener.
The Red Raiders, meanwhile, contained Oklahoma over the third and fourth innings, surrendering just an unearned run before the Sooners unloaded an 11-spot in the fifth that was highlighted by a two-run homer from Kady Self and then a Lauren Chamberlain grand slam.
Six different Sooners recorded at least two RBI in the rout, headlined by Chamberlain and Self who both drove in four runs each while Nicole Pendley and Kelsey Arnold each added three RBI as well.
Nicole Pendley led the Sooner offense with a 4-for-4 day at the plate that included RBI base hits in the first, second and fifth innings. Chamberlain and Erin Miller both finished 2-for-3 while Self ended 2-for-4 overall.
The Sooners totaled 15 hits off the Tech pitching staff, four of which that came off starter Cara Custer (9-12) who suffered the loss in just one combined inning of work where she gave up seven runs.
Custer was relieved by Chandler Moore with two outs in the first inning before returning to record the final out in the fifth. Moore tossed 3.2 innings, surrendering nine runs, eight of which that were earned, off eight hits and four strikeouts before giving way to Mattison Maisel.
The Red Raiders will look to rebound Thursday evening when Tech opens a three-game series at No. 13 Baylor. First pitch for the series opener is slated for 6:30 p.m. at Getterman Stadium in Waco.
