OU softball shuts out Iowa State in Big 12 Conference opener
NORMAN — OU softball’s first Big 12 game of its last Big 12 season followed a familiar script.
The Sooners (20-1, 1-0 Big 12) won without a sweat, blanking Iowa State 4-0 in Game 1 of a Saturday doubleheader at Love’s Field.
Left-hander Kelly Maxwell (6-0), the Cowgirl turned Sooner, had eight strikeouts in seven shutout innings. Maxwell allowed four hits and three walks. The Cyclones (9-11, 0-1 Big 12) didn’t have a runner reach third base until the sixth inning.
Iowa State pitchers Lauren Schurman and Jaiden Ralston kept the Sooner bats relatively quiet. Ralston, a sophomore, didn’t allow a run in her 2.2 innings of relief.
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OU was held to four or fewer runs for the fourth time this season.
But with Maxwell in the circle, the Cyclones never threatened.
It was a brisk day at Love’s Field, with the wind blowing in for the first time since the stadium opened.
Cydney Sanders managed to muscle a three-run homer over the right-field fence, but just barely. Two of Iowa State’s outfielders collided at the wall, each robbing the other of an opportunity to rob a home run.
The fourth-inning shot was Sanders’ fifth home run of the season.
Iowa State, which has lost 49 straight games against the Sooners, will soon bid the Sooners farewell as OU is off to a loaded SEC.
OU has won 11 consecutive Big 12 championships. Since 2016, the Sooners are 122-4 in conference play. They haven’t lost a Big 12 series since 2011.
OU coach Patty Gasso, amid her 30th season, has an .819 winning percentage in Big 12 games. She’s five wins away from the 400th Big 12 win of her career.
The Sooners and Cyclones are set to play Game 2 of their doubleheader at 5 p.m. Saturday.
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OU softball live score updates vs. Iowa State
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OU softball highlights vs. Iowa State
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What time does OU softball vs. Iowa State start?
Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 2 p.m. CT
Where: Love's Field in Norman
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What channel is OU softball vs. Iowa State on today?
Streaming: ESPN+
How to watch online: Watch ESPN (here's how to stream it live)
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU softball shuts out Iowa State in Big 12 Conference opener
