Oklahoma smacks four HRs, cruises past FSU softball in game 1 win
Florida State had opportunities at the plate. And squandered a few of them.
Oklahoma had opportunities at the plate. And mashed home runs.
Alyssa Brito hit two of the Sooners’ four home runs in a 11-3 win over FSU in five innings on Thursday night in the opener of the best-of-three Super Regionals at Norman, Okla. Game 2 is Friday at 8 p.m. (ESPN2).
FSU stranded the bases loaded in the first inning. The Seminoles hit 2 for 12 (1.67) with runners in scoring position.
"Obviously not the way we wanted it to turn out," FSU coach Lonni Alameda said. "But had some opportunities there. Thought we had some good at-bats. You get a ball to fall here and there and maybe things change for us.
"This time of year, it’s about every pitch. We were talking about it. ‘You just can’t take a pitch off, take an inning off.’ And they have such a good lineup, too. So you know that if we get a swing off and put some pressure on them that would be the opportune thing for us. But it didn’t happen today."
Oklahoma struck first with runs in the first and second innings off FSU starter Ashtyn Danley, who gave up five runs (three earned) in two innings.
But the Seminoles then loaded the bases in the third inning. With one out, Jaysoni Beachum was hit by a pitch, Kalei Harding singled and then the runners advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. Michaela Edenfield then drew a walk and Isa Torres struck out swinging.
Devyn Flaherty laced a clutch two-out, two-run single to right field to tie the game at 2.
But Oklahoma poured it on, with Brito hitting a home run to jump-start a three-run third inning. The Sooners then had a five-run fourth inning, with Brito smacking a two-run homer and Kinzie Hansen adding a two-run homer.
FSU has some chances in the fourth. Amaya Ross led off with a walk after falling behind 0-2 and fouled off a total of six pitches. Kennedy Harp then singled to right. But Kaley Mudge popped out to a charging Brito from third base to start a double play, with Beachum lining out to right to end what appeared to be a promising inning.
Jahni Kerr had a single up the middle in the fifth as FSU cut the OU lead to 10-3.
Emma Wilson also gave up five runs (five earned) in two innings. Madi Balk walked four of the five batters she faced in the fifth, with the last one bringing in OU’s game-winning run.
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