OSU Softball Wins Big Against Western Oklahoma State

Junior pitcher Simone Freeman struck out every batter she faced, and Oklahoma State's Cowgirl softball team blasted Western Oklahoma State 28-0 in scrimmage softball action at the Cowgirl Softball Complex.

The three OSU pitchers combined to one-hit the Pioneers, the lone hit a single by Emery Fox in the second plate appearance of the game. Senior Kat Espinosa started in the circle and struck out seven batters in four innings. Freshman Chelsea Ross threw the next two frames and struck out three while walking one, and Freeman, who threw the final four innings, didn't allow a ball to be hit in fair territory.

Oklahoma State pounded out 10 extra-base hits, including nine doubles and a two-run home run by Ross. The Cowgirls scored 11 runs in the fourth and 10 in the ninth of the 10-inning, free substitution contest.

Leadoff hitter Ari Morrison went 4-for-5 with four runs scored, while junior transfer Shannon Kaufman went 4-for-4 with four runs as well in the No. 2 spot of the lineup. Freshman Tiffany Mikkelson went 2-for-6 with four RBIs, including a two-run double and a run-scoring groundout in the fourth.

Freeman, hitting as the designated player, went 3-for-5 with three RBIs as Coach Rich Wieligman gave the players with fewer batting opportunities multiple at-bats in the ninth inning. Catcher Samantha Chrisman went 4-for-7 with three runs and three RBIs, while sophomore shortstop Gessenia DeLaCruz went 2-for-7 with two runs and three RBIs.

The Cowgirls will continue the fall scrimmage season next Tuesday, Oct. 2, when OSU hosts Independence Community College in a 10-inning game starting at 6 pm at the Cowgirl Softball Complex.