Texas Tech Athletics
Oklahoma State
Quick Start Leads Texas Tech Past Oklahoma State in Opener
April 18, 2015 | Softball
Chandler Moore recorded her second career complete game on Saturday as Texas Tech opened its series at Oklahoma State with a 5-2 victory.
April 18, 2015
The victory, Tech's sixth in its last nine meetings against Oklahoma State (19-25; 3-7), improved the Red Raiders (19-24; 3-7) to 2-2 in Big 12 series openers this season as Tech previously rallied to defeat then-No. 25 Kansas a week ago.
The Red Raiders combined for five hits - all singles - in the first inning alone, beginning with a Jordan Bettiol liner up the middle that led off the game. Bettiol scored later in the inning off a Kierra Miles RBI single that bounced over the head of shortstop Randee O'Donnell.
Lea Hopson followed immediately after with a RBI single to shallow centerfield to plate Kristi Belshe. It was one of two hits in the game for Hopson, who finished 2-for-4 overall with a stolen base to extend her hitting streak to a season-high eight games.
Brittany Warnecke put the finishing touches to Tech's big inning with a two-out, two-run single through the left side. Warnecke, like Hopson, also finished with a pair of singles for her fifth multiple-hit game this year.
It was the fifth time this season - and first during Big 12 play - where the Red Raiders had scored at least four runs in the opening frame. The Red Raiders are now 10-2 this year when scoring in the first inning.
The quick start was more than enough for Moore (8-7), who tossed her second complete game of her career where she allowed just two runs off six hits, a pair of walks and four strikeouts. Moore also went a full seven innings on Feb. 15 this year against UTSA.
Oklahoma State stranded a pair of runners on base in each of the first two frames before Moore settled in to retire 14 of the next 18 hitters she faced, including the final six that came to the plate in the sixth and seventh innings.
All six of Oklahoma State's hits came from the trio of O'Donnell (2-for-3), Shelby Davis (2-for-4) and Tiffany Mikkelson (2-for-4). The trio accounted for both of Oklahoma State's runs in the fifth as O'Donnell opened the frame with a triple before scoring off a RBI triple from Davis. Mikkelson added a RBI double later in the inning to bring home Davis.
Tech previously led 5-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth after an Ashley Fultz infield RBI single that allowed Hopson to race home all the way from second base.
Hopson led off the fifth inning with a bunt single and then moved to second off her ninth stolen base of the season. It was the 30th stolen base of her career as well, moving Hopson into a tie for seventh all-time at Tech with Stephanie Walls (1997-99).
Oklahoma State starter Brandi Needham was relieved to start the sixth inning as Peyton Walker tossed two perfect innings to close the game. Needham (11-13) took the loss after surrendering all five runs off 10 hits and three strikeouts.
The two teams will resume the series with a 12 p.m. first pitch Sunday afternoon.
