OU softball: Sooners score seven runs in fifth inning in 10-3 victory

Carey Flack

Lauren Chamberlain, a sophomore softball player, rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the 2012 season.

The No. 1 Oklahoma softball team found itself in many pressure situations but somehow managed to rout No. 25 Nebraska, 10-3, in game one of a double-header Saturday at Marita Hynes Field. The Sooners (17-0) continued their undefeated season with another victory over a ranked team.

Key Stat: 7 – The number of runs for OU in the fifth inning that broke the game open for the Sooners. After being deadlocked with the Cornhuskers, 3-3, Oklahoma’s offense found its groove in the fifth. RBI singles for Destinee Martinez, Lauren Chamberlain and Jessica Shults contributed to the monster inning.

Key Player: Keilani Ricketts – Despite not having a dominant start, the senior lefty managed to get out of a number of jams with the bases loaded. Ricketts tossed six innings while striking out eight Husker batters and giving up only one earned run. The All-American now has nine victories this season.

What it means: The 47-0 margin of victory for the Sooners this season against ranked opponents was ended today. The No. 25 Cornhuskers scored three runs in the top of the fifth. This marked the first time a ranked team had scored against OU. Nevertheless, Oklahoma is now 8-0 this season versus ranked opponents.

What’s next for the Sooners: OU will play the second game of this double-header against No. 25 Nebraska beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Marita Hynes Field. The Sooners will be looking for their second victory of the afternoon.

Joe Mussatto

Joe is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Sports Reporter.