OSU Softball Stymies No. 20/22 Baylor With Shutout Victory
STILLWATER – Lexi Kilfoyl's impressive one-hit pitching performance propelled the No. 2 Oklahoma State Softball team to a 5-0 win against No. 20/22 Baylor Saturday afternoon at Cowgirl Stadium.
OSU improved to 28-2 with the win and 2-0 in conference play, while BU fell to 23-7 and 0-2 against Big 12 opposition.
Today's shutout win was Oklahoma State's first over a top-20 team since defeating then-No. 12/14 Florida on June 4; it was also the first conference shutout at home since April 24 over then-No. 16/16 Texas.
For the 23rd time this season, the Cowgirls struck first with a two-run first inning. Rachel Becker's leadoff single opened the game and extended her on-base streak to 30 games.
A double from freshman Tallen Edwards moved Becker to third, then Kiley Naomi brought home both runners with a two-RBI fielder's choice. On the same play, a fielding error from the Bears advanced Naomi.
Kilfoyl improved to 8-1 with her lockdown pitching performance today. The senior righty went 7.0 scoreless innings, with only only one hit and six strikeouts.
The Oklahoma State victory marks the first time its first one-hit showing since Kelly Maxwell one-hit New Mexico on February 24.
OSU posted a three-spot in the fifth inning to extend its advantage. Edwards' second double of the day brought home Becker to grow the lead, 3-0. An RBI single from Micaela Wark scored Edwards for OSU's fourth run.
The final run of the game came via heads-up baserunning from Naomi as she sprinted home after a throwdown to second from Baylor.
The Pokes will look to sweep their Big 12 opening series as they take on the Bears in game three at 12 p.m. tomorrow at Cowgirl Stadium; fans can watch on ESPN+ or tune in on The Varsity Network.