OSU Edges KU Softball, 5-4
April 9, 2005
STILLWATER, Okla. –
Oklahoma State’s Shianne Cruce hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give OSU the 5-4 win over the University of Kansas softball team Saturday at Cowgirl Stadium. The Jayhawks (16-16, 0-5 Big 12) led 4-3 after six innings until the Cowgirls’ (28-12, 3-3 Big 12) rally.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
KU took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. With one out, Jackie Vasquez reach on an infield base hit and moved to second on a ground out. Vasquez then stole third and went for home on an overthrow by the catcher, brushing the plate as she slid past the tag.
The Cowgirls tied the game in the bottom of the fifth on two hits. Ashlyn Watson led off with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Watson score on a single up the middle by Shanel Scott.
Heather Stanley led off the top of the sixth with a home run down the left field line. With one out, Jessica Moppin singled and Destiny Frankenstein knocked out her eight homer of the season to give KU a 4-1 lead.
OSU threatened in the bottom of the inning, scoring two runs off two hits and a walk. KU put two in scoring position in the top of the seventh but was unable to add to its lead.
The Cowgirls sent the game into extra innings with a run in the bottom of the seventh. Scott led off with a double, advanced to third on the sacrifice bunt and scored on a fielder’s choice.
Serena Settlemier (8-6) gave up nine hits, struck out seven and walked one in 7.0 innings. OSU starter Marjorie Johnson struck out nine, gave up seven hits and walked one in the 7.0 innings while Jessica Hoppock (12-7) struck out two and allowed no hits in the top of the eighth to pick up the win.
Moppin and Frankenstein paced the KU offense with two hits apiece.
OSU committed four errors and stranded seven on base in the win, while KU made one error and left five on base.
The Jayhawks and Cowgirls will wrap up the series Sunday at 11 a.m. The game time was moved from 1 p.m. to avoid forecasted rain.
-KU-
