The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Oklahoma
No. 8 Oklahoma routs Softball, 8-0
04.26.2008 | Softball
NORMAN, Okla. -- The University of Texas Softball team surrendered seven runs in the first two innings and registered just one hit on the afternoon as it fell to No. 8 Oklahoma, 8-0, Saturday afternoon in a run-rule shortened game at Marita Hynes Field.
The Longhorns' loss dropped UT to 25-8-2 on the year and 9-7 in Big 12 Conference play, while the Sooners improved to 40-11 and 13-2 in league play.
Texas starter Meagan Denny (18-7) was saddled with the loss after surrendering six runs on five hits in 1.2 innings, while walking four and striking out two. Barnhill came on in relief of Denny, throwing 3.2 innings, allowing seven hits, walking three and fanning three. Oklahoma southpaw D.J. Mathis (25-5) earned the victory, tossing a complete game shutout, giving up just one hit, allowing only two baserunners and striking out eight.
In the first, Oklahoma used back-to-back walks by second baseman Amber Flores and centerfielder Krystle Huey to start its three-run rally. Rightfielder Susan Ogden followed with a line drive home run over the leftfield wall, clearing the bases and giving OU a 3-0 edge.
After sending nine batters to the plate in the first, the Sooners sent all nine to the plate again in the second, plating four runs on five hits and one UT error. Huey's fielder's choice erased Flores' leadoff walk, but a single by first baseman Samantha Ricketts advanced Huey to third and set the table for Lindsey Vandever's two-out three-run homer that gave OU a 6-0 advantage. Barnhill entered the game for Denny after the homer, but surrendered three straight singles and a run, allowing the Sooners to push their lead to 7-0.
The Sooners ended the game in the sixth, using consecutive singles by Vandever and Savannah Long to start the inning and taking advantage of an RBI single by third baseman Jessica Legendre to close out the game 8-0.
Longhorns' junior second baseman Kelly Melone broke up Mathis' perfect game bid in the fifth when she led off the frame with a double down the leftfield line. Junior first baseman Desiree Williams was Texas' only other baserunner when she was issued a two-out walk in the sixth.
Texas returns to action at noon on Sunday, April 27 when it finished its two-game series with Oklahoma.
POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH Connie Clark
On the game: We gave up some walks and then a home run in the first put us behind early. I think we made adjustments throughout the game, but it is a difficult when we are giving up a lot of free passes and big hits in key situations. You have to tip your hat to the OU hitters. I think they are some of the best hitters that we have faced all year. They did a tremendous job, putting a lot of balls in play that I was surprised that they were able to get their bat heads on. You absolutely have to credit a good hitting team like Oklahoma.
On D.J. Mathis' outing: Mathis was great today. Our hitters made some good adjustments to what she was doing, but it felt like it was too late because they had seven runs on the board already. She struck out six the first time through the order, but only struck out two the second time through. We made some adjustments against her and tried to chip away, but you have to give Mathis credit for a very well pitched game. I thought we got better as the game went on and we had some decent at -bats, but we just couldn't string anything together.
On what Texas needs to do to get ready for game two with Oklahoma: I think the biggest thing for us is not holding on to the loss for too long. It hurts because this is a big rivalry, they have a great crowd and this is a tough place to play. We had a similar scenario last year from day one to day two and we talked to the team about rebounding the way we did last season. We have some adjustments that we want to make in the circle and some other things that we want to do defensively to create some better angles. They are good hitters and we can't completely shut them down, but hopefully we can eliminate the big hits that we gave up today.
