PLAINVIEW --- The Wayland Baptist Pioneers faced a tough challenge on Sunday afternoon, traveling to Ann Lacy Stadium to take on #3 Oklahoma City in a Sooner Athletic Conference softball doubleheader. Despite strong competition, the Pioneers battled throughout the day against one of the nation's top teams.
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Game 1: #3 Oklahoma City 16, Wayland Baptist 1
In the opening game of the doubleheader, Oklahoma City used a pair of big innings to pull away from the Pioneers and secure a 16–1 victory.
Wayland Baptist recorded four hits in the contest, with
Mikayla Carrillo,
Brooke McLaurin,
Berkley Bradley, and
Kailee Sanchez each collecting a base hit. Bradley scored the lone run for the Pioneers.
The Stars jumped out to an early 1–0 lead in the first inning before breaking the game open in the second. Oklahoma City plated six runs on six hits in the frame, highlighted by a two-run home run from Tara Hoehner and a solo shot from Analise Rayburn.
OCU continued the offensive surge in the third inning with six more runs, including Rayburn's second home run of the game and a three-RBI hit from Hoehner, extending the lead to 13–0.
Wayland Baptist broke through in the fourth inning. Bradley singled to start the rally and later scored when
Mikenzi Carlo drove in a run on a groundout after singles from Bradley and Sanchez and a hit-by-pitch to
Yaneli Jaramillo loaded the bases.
In the circle,
Kynleigh Kirby took the loss after starting the game. Kirby allowed seven runs over two innings.
Brooke McLaurin,
Isabella Penk, and
Mia Gray each saw time in relief for the Pioneers.
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Game 2: #3 Oklahoma City 9, Wayland Baptist 0
The Pioneers looked to bounce back in game two but were limited to one hit as Oklahoma City completed the sweep with a 9–0 victory.
Wayland Baptist's lone hit came from
Mikenzi Carlo, who singled in the third inning.
Oklahoma City struck first in the opening inning when Analise Rayburn delivered an RBI double to give the Stars a 1–0 lead. The Stars extended their advantage in the second inning with a four-run frame, highlighted by a two-run home run from Kaiden Spidell and a two-RBI double from Iliana Ashford.
OCU added four more runs in the fourth inning with a series of doubles from Hadley Gibson and Tara Hoehner along with an RBI groundout from Kindalyn Miller to seal the 9–0 result.
Logan Schultz started in the circle for Wayland Baptist and went four innings, allowing nine runs on nine hits while striking out one.
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Up Next
The doubleheader moves Wayland Baptist to 13–5 overall and 3–3 in SAC play.
The Pioneers will wrap up this four-game road series against #3 Oklahoma City with a doubleheader on Monday, March 9
th. Game One of the doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM.
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