No. 21 Tulsa Softball Beats Down Oklahoma State

The No. 21 Tulsa softball team defeated Oklahoma State, 5-1, Wednesday evening at the Collins Family Softball Complex.

The Golden Hurricane (16-5) tallied 10 hits during its home opener in front of 800 fans.

Senior Lacey Middlebrooks (6-2) picked up the win going four innings, allowing two hits and one run for TU. Junior Aimee Creger picked up a three-inning save, allowing two hits while striking out six of the 12 batters she faced.

Third baseman Jill Barrett went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a RBI to lead the TU offense. Shortstop Samantha Cobb tallied two hits, including a triple, and two runs scored, while first baseman Julie Kernen also added two hits.

After two scoreless innings, Tulsa took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the third on an RBI double by Barrett and a two-run single by right fielder Haley Henshaw. Center fielder Jill Everett walked, stole second and scored on Barrett's double down the left field line. Cobb then singled and Middlebrooks walked to load the bases before Henshaw laced a single into center field, scoring Barrett and Cobb.

The Hurricane added two more runs in the fourth inning on a pair of RBI hits by Cobb and Middlebrooks. Barrett reached on a bunt single and scored on Cobb's triple to right center. Middlebrooks then ripped a double to left center, plating Cobb.

The Golden Hurricane opens up Conference USA play with a three game home series against Marshall. TU will play a doubleheader on Saturday at 1 p.m., and will wrap up the series with a noon tilt on Sunday.