Monday, March 28, 2022
Branson Evans
OSU crushes Texas Tech, completes sweep in authoritative fashion Oklahoma State softball routed Texas Tech Sunday to complete the sweep in the first Big 12 series of the season.
junior pitcher Kelly Maxwell gave up a home run in the top of the first. Maxwell (11-0) got out of the inning, clearing the way for a cascade of OSU runs. “I was sitting there in the dugout when Kelly gave up the home run,” Sam Hutchens coach Kenny Gajewski said. “I was Assistant Sports Editor like, ‘Oh, we’re down. We haven’t been down all weekend. Let’s see how we The Oklahoma State marketrespond.’” ing department ran low on T-shirts to OSU scored 12 in the bottom of throw. the first. Senior pitcher Miranda ElIn the first inning. ish got it started, hitting a grand slam The No. 7 Cowgirls ran low on to center field. It was one of five home multiple things on Sunday. T-shirts to runs Texas Tech (17-15, 0-3) surrentoss to fans after home runs, substitudered in the inning. tions and innings. They did, however, Fans who got there before the have plenty of runs. first inning like men’s basketball coach OSU beat Texas Tech 16-2 in Mike Boynton, women’s basketball Cowgirl Stadium in a five-inning run coach Jacie Hoyt and OSU President rule. Kayse Shrum were treated to an exhibiThe win completed a series sweep tion of dominance. and boosted OSU (24-6, 3-0 Big 12) to “It was good to watch, to be a part an undefeated start in conference play. of it,” senior shortstop Kiley Naomi The Cowgirls fell behind 1-0 when said. “Seeing the team come together,
string at bats, it’s awesome to be in this type of environment and put on a show for our fans.” OSU batted 15 times in the first inning, and three TTU pitchers pitched. Elish hit two home runs in the inning, continuing a blistering weekend performance. She had hits in all eight at-bats in the series against the Red Raiders. “I’m just trying to trust the process and have good at-bats,” Elish said. “When I see the ball, I’m trying to drive it and move runners or get on base. It’s working.” Elish pitched against TTU on Saturday. She gave up one run and got a win. “It’s just been really cool to see,” Gajewski said. “Really happy for her. She has so much fun. I told her it’s one of the best weekends I’ve ever seen in conference play, without a doubt. Unreal.” With the huge lead, Gajewski used an ample number of substitutions. Twenty Cowgirls played in the game,
including junior catcher Averie Sims, who at one point did not expect to play for OSU. “We got somebody like Averie Sims (an at-bat), who came here as a manager this year and had no intention of being on our roster until we had a catcher go down with an injury,” Gajewski said. It was Sims’ first at-bat as a Cowgirl. “Everybody works so hard,” Elish said. “Whether they have had no at-bats or 50 this season. “Everybody comes to practice every day and grinds it out. Just to see them being able to get on the field and show what they’ve been working on and have success is really cool.” Sims walked, which gave Gajewski joy. “To get her an at-bat today was maybe the most gratifying thing I’ve had in my time here,” Gajewski said. sports.ed@ocolly.com