Oklahoma
Texas rallies past Oklahoma State, advances to WCWS finals
Texas’ Courtney Day, high, celebrates after hitting residence run in the course of the second inning of an NCAA softball Girls’s School World Sequence recreation in opposition to Oklahoma State on Monday, June 6, 2022, in Oklahoma Metropolis. (AP Picture/Alonzo Adams)
AP
OKLAHOMA CITY
Courtney Day hit a three-run homer for the second straight recreation, this one sparking Texas’ rally from a five-run deficit, and the unseeded Longhorns shocked No. 7 seed Oklahoma State 6-5 on Monday evening to advance to the Girls’s School World Sequence finals.
Texas superior to play its greatest rival — No. 1 seed and defending nationwide champion Oklahoma — in a best-of-three championship collection beginning Wednesday. On this model of the Crimson River Rivalry, Oklahoma will search its sixth nationwide title whereas Texas tries for its first.
The Longhorns (47-20-1) blanked the Cowgirls 5-0 within the first recreation of Monday evening’s doubleheader. Texas wanted to win two video games within the double-elimination format to advance to the finals, whereas Oklahoma State solely wanted one victory.
Within the second recreation, Hailey Dolcini (24-11) labored 5 sturdy innings in reduction for the Longhorns, permitting one hit — a two-run homer by Karli Petty that put Oklahoma State forward 5-0 within the third inning.
It regarded just like the Cowgirls would roll from there. However after an infield single and a one-out stroll within the fourth, Day hit a drive that glanced off the highest of the fence and over it to get Texas inside 5-3.
Then Oklahoma State gave away the lead within the fifth with two defensive miscues on one play.
With two runners on, Bella Dalton singled to proper, and proper fielder Petty bobbled the ball, permitting Jordyn Whitaker to attain from second. First baseman Hayley Busby lower off the throw however threw wildly to second, and the ball rolled all the way in which to the outfield wall as Mia Scott scored the tying run and Dalton got here in behind her to make it 6-5.
The Cowgirls’ Kelly Maxwell (21-5) struck out 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings. Solely three of the six runs she allowed had been earned.
The Cowgirls (48-14) had received the primary 4 conferences with the Longhorns this season.
Day’s three-run homer within the second inning of the primary recreation was greater than sufficient for Estelle Czech (13-1), who pitched a four-hit shutout. Her efficiency allowed the Longhorns to save lots of Dolcini, the crew’s ace.
Morgan Day (13-5) went the space for Oklahoma State within the Sport 1 loss, permitting 5 runs (three earned) in six innings.
Kiley Naomi hit a two-run homer within the second inning of the second recreation for Oklahoma State.
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