The Norman Transcript

OU Sports

March 16, 2013

Classic play opens with two shutouts

NORMAN — One of Oklahoma’s biggest strengths is the ability to put a bunch of runs on the scoreboard courtesy of its high-powered offense. But the Sooners are also capable of pulling out close wins, and they displayed both styles in a pair of victories on Friday.

In the first game of the day against Pacific at the Judi Garman Classic, the bats came alive for top-ranked Oklahoma (24-1). Shelby Pendley and Brittany Williams each hit two-run home runs in the 9-0 run-rule victory. And it was the defense that came up big in the second game, a 3-0 win over North Carolina State.

Keilani Ricketts earned the win against Pacific, not allowing a run over five innings to move to 12-0 on the season. It was her 110th career victory, tying her for third place in Big 12 history.

Michelle Gascoigne took over the pitching duties in the second contest, and delivered with 15 strikeouts.

The Sooners brought home three runs on an NC State error and RBIs by Georgia Casey and Destinee Martinez.

OU lowered its NCAA-best ERA to 0.74 with the pair of victories. Next up for the Sooners is a 5 p.m. contest today against Arizona.

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