The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Oklahoma State
No. 5/6 Softball bounces back with 5-1 win over Oklahoma State
04.22.2012 | Softball
April 22, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas - Texas junior All-American Blaire Luna allowed just one run (unearned) on two hits with nine strikeouts Sunday as the No. 5/6 Texas Longhorns earned a 5-1 win against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls to take the Big 12 series, two games to one. Texas (37-7, 11-5) is now one full game back of Oklahoma for first place in the Big 12 standings with the Sooners hosting Missouri this afternoon.
Brejae Washington registered her 62nd career stolen bases today, tying the Texas career record that was set by Desiree Williams (2005-09).
The Longhorns took advantage of two errors by the Cowgirls (23-18, 6-8) as part of a four-run second inning. With runners at first and second and two outs, Mandy Ogle hit a pop-up, but miscommunication between Ari Morrison and Julie Ward allowed the inning to continue. After Nadia Taylor scored on the error, Taylor Thom followed with a two-run double to right center. Taylor Hoagland then laid down a bunt single, but Taylor Woodall's throw from the plate sailed wide at first as Thom scored for the 4-0 Longhorns' lead.
In the bottom of the third, the Longhorns played small ball after walks to Washington and Lexy Bennett. Courtney Craig sacrificed both runners over and Taylor hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Washington for the 5-0 margin. Amy Graham singled home Tamara Brown for the Cowgirls' lone run in the fourth. With a runner at second in the top of the seventh, Shelby Davis grounded into a 6-3-5 double play to end the game as Karina Scott was able to throw out Kelsea Schultz at third after Schultz tried to advance from second.
Texas will play Texas A&M next week in Big 12 action. Thursday's game at 6 p.m. will be played in College Station while Saturday and Sunday's games will be played at McCombs Field.
Thursday's game in College Station will be broadcast on ESPN2, Saturday's game in Austin on Fox Sports Net and Sunday's game on Longhorn Network. Gametracker live stats, along with a live Twitter feed (@TexasSoftball), for all three games will be available on TexasSports.com.
Notes: Texas is now 22-3 at McCombs Field this season...Nadia Taylor was hit by a pitch, extending her streak of reaching base safely to a career-high 13 games...Taylor Thom recorded her fifth multi-RBI game of the season...Karina Scott now has a five-game hitting streak.
OSU 000-100-0---1-2-2 TEXAS 041-000-x---5-5-1WP - Luna (16-3) LP - Freeman (7-7) Records: Texas (37-7, 11-5), Oklahoma State (23-18, 6-8)
Freeman, Espinosa (3) and Woodall. Luna and Ogle.
Post-Game Quotes
Head coach Connie Clark
On what she told her team to bounce back from yesterday's loss: We talked a little bit about showing a little more excitement for the game. Yesterday I was a little disappointed when Mandy (Ogle) drew the walk in the sixth inning and I look over and we just look a little bit flat in the dugout. They have aspirations to keep momentum on their side and to do that you have to have the action to show that. I just didn't see that yesterday. We talked long and hard about the consistency and they came out today and from warm-ups on they had a great approach.
On the benefits of a three-game series: The three-game series is new for us this year. Of course you want to win every game, but it is kind of nice that you get to do a rubber game on Sunday and you get to see who actually wins the series. It does force you to have to make some adjustments, physically and mentally really. Just coming off of yesterday and coming back and grinding it out is significant.
On the performance of Blaire Luna today: I really liked what I saw from Blaire. She's been a work in progress over the last few weeks and we've spent a lot of time just trying to get her confidence back and work with her in the bullpen. Really, each of her last five outings have been a little bit better in one regard or the other. Today, she had pretty solid command. She was missing on her rise ball just a little bit wide and that's where some of the walks came into play, but great process in moving forward to where we need her. She was very much pitch-to-pitch and very confident. I think we've got her back where we need her right now.
Sophomore infielder Taylor Thom
On gaining a rhythm in hitting this weekend: I've been struggling lately and we have been working hard in the cages just trying to get my confidence back. I know I am a good hitter...I just need to get my confidence back and see the ball more. I think today, after yesterday getting that bunt down, gave me a little more confidence. I definitely saw the ball better today and felt back to my old self.
On the importance of getting momentum early in the game: It was a big deal. Today, in our warmup, we started out very excited and had a lot of energy to play unlike we did yesterday. That started the whole game because we had energy at the beginning.
Senior third baseman Nadia Taylor
On seeing the ball well: I've been seeing the ball well. I actually kind of struggled this weekend, but we got the outcome so I am not complaining. I have been seeing it a lot better and just trying to do whatever I can to win games.
On assessing the team after winning two of three games this weekend: Yesterday, we took a blow and reset today. We wanted to come out here and show what we can do. We were focused on every pitch and just making sure we win every single inning on offense and defense. (We were) keeping the energy up in the dugout as well as on the field. I think (Blaire) Luna pitched an outstanding game. Her confidence is coming back.
