The No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners claimed two wins over the No. 11 Texas Longhorns before heading into the series finale in Austin. Looking for the series sweep, the Shannon Saile earned the nod. After failing to produce a score in the top of the first frame, the junior stepped into the circle to anchor the defense.
Slowly pulling away in the final game of the Red River Rivalry, the flood gates opened in the seventh inning. Leading off the inning, Grace Lyons secured a double as the Sooners quickly found themselves in scoring position. Following suit, Sydney Romero collected a triple and an RBI as Oklahoma’s lead grew to 6-1. Later in the inning, a single from Fale Aviu allowed Romero to score forcing the opposition to rethink the pitching situation.
Throwing three pitchers over the course of the inning, nothing seemed to work for the Longhorns. Failing to show any weaknesses in the lineup, Grace Green’s two RBI single provided the last two scores of the afternoon for the Sooners. Now charging toward a sweep holding a 9-1 margin, Saile stepped back into the circle one last time.
Loading the bases, it appeared as though the Big 12 newcomer was in trouble. Hurling the ball toward the plate, the Longhorn’s infield single scored a run. But, it came with a price as Romero and Caleigh Clifton turned a double-play. Playing for one more out, the defense stood tall delivering a 31st consecutive victory — a number tying the previous program record.