(This story originated with Oklahoma State University Athletic Media Relations and the Big 12 Conference. Robert Allen of Pokes Report contributed to the story.)
OKLAHOMA CITY — In a game dominated by pitching, the No. 23 Oklahoma State softball team lost a 2-1 decision to Arizona State in quarterfinal play of the Big 12 Tournament played at Devon Park. Since winning the Big 12 Softball Championship Tournament in extra innings over No. 1 Oklahoma in 2022, the Cowgirls are 3-10 at Devon Park at OG&E Stadium, formerly Hall of Fame Stadium. They have bowed out in the first game of the Big 12 event the past three years.
After the Cowgirls dropped to 33-18 overall, while the Sun Devils improved to 35-18 on the year. The loss also guarantees that the Cowgirls will be on the road in the NCAA Tournament coming up.
Truly, the biggest highlight of the game for Oklahoma State was a catch against the photogrpaher’s well on the left side by third baseman Tallen Edwards. The catch was specatular and kept the Sun Devils scoreless at that point.
After three scoreless innings, Arizona State's Samantha Swan drove the first pitch of the fourth inning over the left field fence.
Oklahoma State responded in the fifth with an RBI double from Rosie Davis that scored Megan Bloodworth from second. The Cowgirls had an opportunity for more in that inning, but left the bases loaded. OSU stranded seven runners in the contest. The OSU hitters were 1-for-12 with runners on base and 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
The Sun Devils broke the tie in the sixth with what amounted to the game-winning sacrifice fly from Tanya Windle.
The matchup featured a pair of first-team All-Big 12 pitchers. Ruby Meylan went the distance and allowed only four hits but took the loss for Oklahoma State to fall to 21-8 on the year. Kenzie Brown struck out 13 Cowgirls en route to securing the complete game victory and improving to 19-6 on the year for the Sun Devils.
The Cowgirls will now go on their annual retreat following the Big 12 Tournament and before the NCAA. In fact, they will be at Lake Eufala when they find out where they will be going in the NCAA tournament next week.
OSU learns its postseason destination on Sunday, May 11 as part of the NCAA Softball Tournament Selection Show, scheduled to air at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
