STILLWATER, OKLA. ? Oklahoma State eked out two one-run victories Wednesday in doubleheader sweep of Kansas University in the Big 12 softball opener for both teams. The Cowboys beat KU, 1-0 and 2-1.
Sophomore pitcher Lauren Bay (8-4) was the winning pitcher in both games. She tossed a one-hitter in the first game while striking out five Jayhawks. Erin Garvey’s single accounted for the Jayhawks’ lone hit in the opener.
In the first game, OSU scored the only run in the bottom of the fifth when Jenny Kipp scored on a base hit by Amanda Hayes with two outs. Kipp reached first on a single to center field and advanced to second on a balk by KU pitcher Kara Pierce.
Pierce tossed a four-hitter with six strikeouts in the opener.
In the second game, Kansas took a 1-0 lead in the third when Christi Musser led off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Leah Hansen, and scored on a base hit by her twin sister, Shelly Musser. OSU pitcher Kara Wentworth was pulled after facing three batters in the third inning and replaced by Bay, who came in and struck out the side.
Oklahoma State tied the score in the fourth when Ryan Realmuto hit a home run.
In the seventh, OSU senior Lezli Leathers, who played at KU before transferring to Stillwater, led off with a double down the right-field line. Casey O’Neill then laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached first on a fielder’s choice after the Jayhawks failed to retire Leathers at third. After a strikeout, the Jayhawks intended to intentionally walk Kipp. On the first pitch-out, though, Pierce, who came in relief in the sixth, threw way over catcher Leah Tabb, allowing Leathers to score.
Kansas dipped to 12-15 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12.
Oklahoma State improved to 17-10 and 2-0.
KU will play host to Texas at 1 p.m. Saturday at Jayhawk Field.
