Another dominant performance in the circle from Sam Landry propelled the No. 1-ranked Oklahoma Sooners to an emphatic 8-0 run-rule victory over the Missouri Tigers on Friday night. With the win, OU improved to 28-0 on the season and 7-0 in SEC play, while Missouri dropped to 17-14 overall and 0-4 in conference action.
The Sooners wasted no time putting pressure on Missouri’s pitching staff. In the top of the first, Abigale Dayton drew a leadoff walk before Nelly McEnroe-Marinas followed with a single to set the table. Freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia then delivered the first big swing of the night, blasting a three-run home run to right field on the first pitch she saw. The long ball, Garcia’s 10th of the season, extended her hitting streak to 15 games and gave Oklahoma an early 3-0 advantage.
While Oklahoma’s offense cooled off for a few innings, Landry ensured the early lead held firm. The Sooner ace was in complete control, retiring the first eight batters she faced before an error allowed Missouri’s Claire Cahalan to reach base in the third inning. The Tigers managed to put two runners on in both the third and fourth innings, but Landry worked her way out of trouble each time, keeping Missouri scoreless.
The Sooners broke through again in the fifth inning, flexing their power at the plate. McEnroe-Marinas crushed a two-run homer to left, extending the lead to 5-0. Three batters later, Ella Parker delivered the final blow—a towering three-run home run to center field. Parker, who had been struggling in SEC play, saw her fortunes turn as the ball deflected off Missouri center fielder Kayley Lenger’s glove and over the fence.
With an eight-run cushion, Landry efficiently closed the door in the bottom of the fifth, retiring the side in order to secure the run-rule victory. She finished the night allowing just one hit over five innings, striking out four and extending her scoreless streak to 18.2 consecutive innings. Landry improved to 8-0 on the season with the shutout win.
Offensively, the Sooners were powered by their infield duo of McEnroe-Marinas and Garcia, who combined for four of OU’s eight hits and accounted for five RBIs. Garcia continued her hot streak with a 2-for-3 night, while Parker’s three RBIs put the game out of reach.
Oklahoma and Missouri will return to the field for Game 2 of the series on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT, with the action streaming live on SEC Network+.
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