OSU Softball: Cowgirls Prevail in the Eighth Inning, Secure Conference Opener Over Baylor
Claire Timm took matters into her own hands on Friday.
The sophomore hit the dagger in the eighth inning, launching a two-run bomb over the wall and helping Oklahoma State take the 4-1 victory over Baylor at Getterman Stadium in Waco, Texas.
Oklahoma State improved to 19-2 on the season, while Baylor fell to 13-4 on the season in the conference opener.
OSU’s offense could get nothing going through the first six innings as it managed to get only five hits through the first six innings. That narrative changed in the seventh.
The Cowgirls scored all four runs in the next two innings, including three runs in the eighth, storming back and collecting the win in the conference opener.
While the offense was stagnant, Lexi Kilfoyl was electric on Friday. She tamed the Bears, giving up one run on two hits, two walks and six strikeouts in eight innings of work.
Baylor's pitching caused OSU problems as the Bears used a trio of pitchers against the Cowgirls, but Aliyah Binford was the dominant hand. She gave up three runs (two earned runs) on six hits, two walks and eight strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings pitched.
The Bears could get nothing going on offense to help Binford and the pitching staff, going 2 for 27 against the Cowgirls.
Baylor’s lone run came in the fifth inning as Abi Flores reached on a Rosie Davis error, allowing Ana Watson to score and putting Baylor up 1-0 late in the fifth inning.
After a scoreless sixth, OSU would tie it up in the seventh inning.
Rosie Davis drew a walk to start the inning, and Micaela Wark hit a sacrifice bunt, allowing Davis to move over to second base.
Jilyen Poullard drew a walk as well, setting up runners on first and second with one away, with Megan Bloodworth coming up to the plate.
Bloodworth would get one home, reaching on a fielder's choice after beating the throwout at first. Her hustle would let pinch-runner Tia Warsop score all the way from second, tying the game at 1-1.
Kilfoyl would hold Baylor in the seventh, giving OSU a shot in the eighth, and the Cowgirls took advantage of that opportunity.
After Tallen Edwards hit a single, Timm would come through, hitting the two-run home run and putting OSU up 3-1.
Davis would keep it going, hitting a single into left field and scoring Karli Godwin to increase the lead to 4-1.
Kilfoyl would shut the door in the eighth, securing the victory over Baylor and starting 1-0 in conference play this season.
Oklahoma State will look to take the series on Saturday when it takes on Baylor at 2 p.m. at Getterman Stadium in Waco, Texas. The contest will be streamed on ESPN+.
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