Photo credit Ty Russell/OU Athletics
Oklahoma started off with a home run and finished with a home run in a completely dominating 11-1 win over Texas to start off their three-game series. It was actually back-to-back home runs to start the game as Tiare Jennings and Jocelyn Alo gave the Sooners a 2-0 lead after just two at bats.
With a five-run opening frame Oklahoma was firmly in control of 7th-ranked Texas in a game where the Longhorns were really never competitive. The Sooners plated two more runs in the bottom of the third, after Texas scored its only run of the game, and then one more in the fourth before completing the run-rule in the fifth.
While the Sooners were rounding the bases seemingly at will, “G” Juarez was limiting the Longhorns offensively. She began the game by striking out the side and held Texas batters to just the single run on just three hits.
The game did provide a dramatic moment in the bottom of the fifth with Oklahoma needing just one more score to complete the run-rule. After Juarez sat the Longhorns down in order in the top half, Grace Lyons hit a one-out single to left field. Jayda Coleman then flew out to center field, on a hit that initially look like it was gone, before a Taylon Snow single to center moved Lyons all the way to third.
With runners on the corners, and two outs, Mackenzie Donihoo delivered the knockout blow with a three-run blast to right center field that sent everyone home early.
With the win Oklahoma improves to 7-0 in conference play and 31-0 on the season. Game two of the series is set for a 3PM start on Saturday and will be televised on ESPN 2.
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