OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Missouri Baptist University softball pulled off a 5-3 comeback victory over the top-seed and site host Oklahoma City University on Tuesday evening.
The Spartans got a complete game win from Taylor Whitehead, moving her to 21-2 overall, and received late-inning heroics on a game-tying RBI double from Miranda Ladson and a go-ahead RBI single from Allison Leigraf in the fifth inning.
With the win, the Spartans move on to play the winner of Oklahoma City and Morningside University at 4 p.m., on Tuesday, May 14. The Stars and Mustangs play in the 1 p.m., game. For the full NAIA Opening Round schedule, click here.
Oklahoma City Recap
Oklahoma City got off to a quick start in the first inning on back-to-back home runs from Tara Hoehner and Analise Rayburn. The Spartans responded with one in the bottom half on a two-out, RBI double from Alexi Sanchez.
Brooklynn Fischer led off the third inning with a solo home run, her second of the tournament, to cut the deficit in half. MBU later tied the game in the fifth when
Jacie Dees singled to center to lead off the frame and scored on a run-scoring double from Ladson to tie the game at three.
OCU starter Emerson Heron got the next batter to pop out, but surrendered a go-ahead single to Allison Leigraf that pushed the Spartans out in front 4-3.
Now working with a lead, Taylor Whitehead retired the side in order in the sixth, got another insurance run in the bottom half, and then got three consecutive flyouts in the seventh to move the Spartans one win away from a trip to Columbia, Ga.Â
In total, the senior from East Alton, Ill., went seven innings, allowing five hits, three earned, and three walks while striking out two.
Winning Pitcher: Taylor Whitehead (21-2)
Losing Pitcher: E. Heron (21-5)
Batting Leaders
Brooklynn Fischer: 2-for-3, HR, RBI, 2 R
Miranda Ladson: 2-for-4, 2B, RBI
Alexi Sanchez: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
Allison Leigraf: 1-for-3, Go-Ahead RBI
Records:
No. 16 Missouri Baptist: 45-6
No. 7 Oklahoma City: 47-9
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