OSU Run-Rules Northern Iowa in Shutout

Originally Published: Mar 16, 2010 9:15 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma State softball team won its fifth straight game Tuesday with an 8-0 shutout of Northern Iowa in five innings.

The Cowgirls (21-6) got off to a quick start in the first inning. Three of their first four batters reached base, and Julie Ward and Tamara Brown each recorded an RBI to give OSU a quick 2-0 lead.

After both teams traded three-and-outs in the second inning, the Cowgirls scored in each of the next three frames. Ward recorded her second RBI in the third, while Kelsey Anchors and Mariah Gearhart each drove in runs in the fourth.

With the score 5-0 heading into the fifth, OSU drove in three more runs to force the game to be run-ruled. Alysia Hamilton hit an RBI double, then scored an unearned run after a throwing error. Tamara Brown scored another unearned run moments later to stretch the lead to eight, ending the game. When the contest concluded, the Cowgirls had the bases loaded.

Anna Whiddon recorded another strong start for OSU, giving up three hits and no walks during her five innings of work. Ward was the only player to drive in more than one run, but seven different Cowgirls recorded hits.

Since suffering through a rough patch during the LSU Tiger Classic early in the season, the Cowgirls have been on fire. They have won 14 of their last 16 games and have given up more than two runs just three times in that span.

OSU will finish its midweek series with Northern Iowa at 7 p.m. Wednesday.