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OU softball run-rules Houston in series opener as Kelly Maxwell pitches another gem

colton sulley, the oklahoman
·6 min read

NORMAN — One week after dropping its fourth game of the season last Friday to BYU in a game where OU softball’s bats struggled, the Sooners are back on track.

No. 2 OU defeated Houston 8-0 Friday night in the first game of a three-game series in front of 4,292 fans at Love’s Field. With the win, the Sooners (40-4, 16-3 Big 12) remain just one game ahead of Texas in the Big 12 standings.

OU is the first team to 40 wins nationally in 2024.

OU's bats were hot as Kinzie Hansen finished with three hits and three runs scored, while Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Riley Ludlam and Alynah Torres finished with two hits apiece.

Here are some takeaways from the Sooners’ win:

Alynah Torres sparks early offense

Alynah Torres had herself a day.

She opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with a moonshot to deep left field, which scored Jayda Coleman and Kinzie Hansen, and gave OU a 3-0 lead.

“I was just keeping it simple, honestly,” Torres said postgame. “I was thinking pass the bat mentally. Knowing that whoever is in front of me and behind me has my back and honestly just letting go, being free, swinging the bat and swinging at strikes.”

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Torres reached base on a fielder’s choice, scoring Tiare Jennings. Torres finished 2 for 2 with a home run and four RBIs.

The senior utility entered the game batting .382 this season.

“I just think that she's kind of fitting in,” Jennings said of Torres’ approach as of late. “I think me and her up the middle, kind of know each other now. I mean, she knows what I'm thinking, I know what she's thinking. So I think we're on that level now. It's been free. She's been having fun in the dugout, she brings a really good energy every single day. And she definitely makes it a lot more fun.”

Kelly Maxwell continues dominance

Kelly Maxwell is still dealing.

Maxwell finished the game with two hits allowed and five strikeouts in five innings of work.

“(She’s) confident, sharp, attacking,” Gasso said of Maxwell. “She'll throw three straight balls and then throw three straight strikes and I’m like, ‘Could we have done that a little bit easier?’ But she's confident, you can feel it. She has turned a big corner and she's turned it for a while now and that is the connection she has with (pitching coach Jen Rocha). There's just a different demeanor and confidence. She's very, very confident on the mound right now.”

The lefty entered the game with a 1.72 ERA.

“Looked good from Kelly, maybe not as sharp as she normally is,” Gasso said. “And she gave up three walks. But I mean, that's a good hitting team, just like BYU.”

Tiare Jennings climbs record books

Tiare Jennings tied Kristin Vesely for No. 4 on the program's all-time hits list Friday when she ripped a single to left field for her 293rd career hit.

Jennings finished 2 for 3. The timing is unique as Vesely was in the stadium for Jennings’ hit as she serves as the Cougars’ head coach.

“(It’s) definitely an honor,” Jennings said, “just remembering all those people on that list, who set the bar high for me in this moment. But I think for me, just nothing changes. There's no pressure on me to get higher on that list. Just continuing to be me and leave a legacy with this being my senior year.”

The Torrance, California, native is 27 away from Sydney Romero at No. 3. Joceyln Alo ranks first with Norrelle Dickson at No. 2.

“Do you know who you passed?” Gasso asked Jennings afterward.

The Boz visits Love’s Field

A long line of fans formed at the top of the first base line section of the Love’s Field stands.

At the end of line, legendary OU linebacker Brian Bosworth posed for selfies with each and every spectator who approached. Bosworth attended the Sooners’ win over Houston Friday night to tape an interview with famous SEC television-radio personality Paul Finebaum, who is in town for the spring game.

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Bottom 6: OU 8, Houston 0 | Pitch clock violation scores a run, Jayda Coleman walk-off single ends it

Jayda Coleman singled to left center, scoring Quincee Lilio and giving the Sooners the win.

Bottom 4: OU 6, Houston 0 | Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen add to Oklahoma's lead

Alynah Torres reached base on a fielder's choice, scoring Tiare Jennings from third base. Kinzie Hansen stole home, making it a 6-0 game.

Torres had herself a day, finishing the game 2 for 2 with a homer and four RBIs.

Bottom 3: OU 4, Houston 0 | Cydney Sanders grounds out, Alynah Torres scores

Oklahoma added to its lead in the bottom of the third inning when Cydney Sanders grounded out with the bases loaded to the Cougars' shortstop and Alynah Torres scored.

Bottom 1: OU 3, Houston 0 | Alynah Torres smacks three-run home run in first inning

Play paused briefly after Alynah Torres' go-ahead three-run shot to deep right field.

The umpires appeared to be discussing if Torres touched home plate. She did, in fact, and her swing put the Sooners ahead 3-0 after one inning.

What time does OU softball vs. Houston start?

  • Date: Friday, April 19

  • Time: 6 p.m. CT

  • Where: Love's Field in Norman

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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma softball beats Houston in opener as Kelly Maxwell pitches gem