Mississippi State Eliminated by Oklahoma in Super Regional, Must Win Decisive Game Sunday

Norman, Okla. — Mississippi State was eliminated from the Norman Super Regional after losing 7-1 to Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. The Sooners scored all seven runs in the third inning, capitalizing on just three hits and aided by an error, a passed ball, and four walks, according to the game summary.

Head coach Samantha Ricketts credited Oklahoma for coming prepared. “Credit to OU, they came out ready to play like we expected them to,” she said. “We need to come back tomorrow and treat it like we have all year. It’s toughness Sunday in the SEC. We know it’s going to be a dogfight, and we have to get back to Mississippi State softball. We have some things to clean up, but our focus is on what we can control — how we come out ready to play tomorrow.”

Mississippi State (42-19) scored its only run in the sixth inning. Kinley Keller drew a bases-loaded walk, and Abby Grace Richardson nearly tied the game with a deep fly to center that was caught on the warning track. Morgan Stiles extended her postseason record, breaking the school’s NCAA Tournament hits record with her 14th hit in just two seasons. She has hit in every NCAA Tournament game she’s played.

Oklahoma out-hit Mississippi State 6-5, with Kai Minor, Gabbie Garcia, and Lexi McDaniel each recording hits. Paige Ernstes contributed defensively with four unassisted plays at first base and a runner thrown out at home. Both teams’ players discussed the importance of the upcoming game, which will determine the regional champion and a trip to the Women’s College World Series.

The decisive Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday. First pitch time and broadcast details will be announced later. Mississippi State aims to reach the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history, while Oklahoma looks to advance further in the postseason.

Source: Original Article