By Jeff Johncox
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — When it came down to postseason experience, Oklahoma was holding the short end of the stick.
The talented but young Sooners held their own against defending-national-champion Michigan Sunday, taking the Wolverines to extra innings for the second straight day. But Jennie Ritter was too tough and OU freshman pitcher D.J. Mathis gave up two big hits in the eighth inning as the Sooners’ season ended via a 5-2 loss to the NCAA regional hosts.
“Our team played their hearts out because they knew they wanted to continue on,” OU coach Patty Gasso said. “You could see the intensity going on between each of the teams, back and forth. Both teams were playing as hard as they could. We gave everything we had.”
It wasn’t enough.
OU took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning thanks to a two-run single from Savannah Long. But the Wolverines fought back immediately, tying it up in the fifth.
In the eighth inning, Mathis gave up a two-run home run to Grace Leutele and a solo shot to Tiffany Worthy that put the game away for Michigan.
The Wolverines were the visitors on their own diamond.
“We felt we had the momentum (after we took the lead) and all it took was a little slap hit up the middle to score two runs,” Gasso said. “But I know Michigan and I knew it wouldn’t be easy to get through this game.
“We had our chances, but when you have a senior All-American (Ritter) that wants to defend her title, you’re up against something special.”
Ritter set a Michigan single-game record with 19 strikeouts Sunday, even while the Sooners were able to get to her.
After Norrelle Dickson beat out an infield single, and Kristin Vesely singled to right field, both runners advanced on a passed ball.
Next, Long came through with a chopper that made it through to center field, bringing in both runners. The runs ended Ritter’s scoreless streak at 411/3 innings.
“I wish I said that I didn’t get rattled, but I did because they’re all great hitters and they rally together very well,” Ritter said. “I just had to bear down and I knew that my defense was behind me. I wasn’t flustered that I gave up two runs, I was more flustered that they started rallying.”
Ritter gave up two earned runs on seven hits and one walk, an intentional pass to Sooner designated player Samantha Ricketts.
Mathis offered another big-time performance until the end. She gave up five earned runs on 10 hits while striking out five in seven innings, three of the runs coming before she could record the first out of the eighth inning. Nicole Denes came in relief after the damage was done and retired the side.
Earlier in the game, Mathis was treated for a bleeding finger after taking a shot off the index finger of her pitching hand. But she got out of trouble in the frame and continued to pitch.
“My finger started bleeding, so we had to get it fixed,” Mathis said. “It didn’t bother me at all. I wasn’t tired, it was just mistakes.”
The Wolverines will head to Knoxville, Tenn., next week to take on the Volunteers in super regional play.
The Sooners are on their way home with high hopes for next season.
“To see (Mathis) and Nicole elevate their game (and) their team the last few weeks,” Gasso said. “To take Michigan to extra innings was huge. I knew they were uncomfortable with us coming here, and I hope we made it exciting for them.”
Jeff Johncox366-3535jjohncox@normantranscript.com
