Pitching Issues Cost Tulsa Against Michigan State

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane gave up two big innings to the Michigan State Spartans, resulting in a 6-4 loss Sunday, the Golden Hurricane's third of the season, to close out the FAU Strike Out Cancer Classic.

The Golden Hurricane (9-3) jumped out to a big lead, hoping it would be enough to grab its 10th win of the season. Jessica Stoelke started the run off for TU, hitting a one-out home run to right field in the top of the second to take a 1-0 lead.

In the next inning, Samatha Cobb hit a leadoff double and Lacey Middlebrooks followed with a single to left field to bring Cobb home and take a two-run lead. TU added to its lead in the top of the fourth, after Jill Barrett reached on a bunt single, Cobb brought her home with a double to left field to make it 3-0.

Michigan State wouldn't wait too long to respond, tying the game in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs and two on base, Aimee Creger gave up three consecutive walks to score the Spartans' first two runs of the game.

Creger would get the hook, giving up three earned runs on two hits in just 3.2 innings of service. However, her replacement Kalynn Schrock did not fare too much better, giving up her first earned run of the game on an illegal pitch, tying the game 3-3.

Schrock's woes continued in the bottom of the fifth. After giving up a leadoff, bunt single and a single to left field, Sarah Bowling homered to left field to give the Spartans a 6-3 advantage.

That was enough to earn Schrock a loss for the outing, giving up three earned runs on four hits in her 4.1 innings of service. Carly Neilsen earned a win for her services, giving up 10 hits and three earned runs, going 5.1 innings for Michigan State.

The Golden Hurricane will now return home to host a tournament, The Hyatt Downtown Tulsa Tournament, opening at 3 p.m. Friday against North Texas.