OU softball: Sooners blank Boston to open Norman Regional

NORMAN — When Oklahoma strings hits together with runners on base, the results are deadly for opposing teams.

That's what Boston U found out in the second inning Friday.

With both teams scoreless heading into the bottom of the frame, the Sooners snagged three consecutive base hits from Sydney Barker, Ailana Agbayani and Abby Dayton to load the bases. Isabela Emerling was hit by a pitch to force a runner home, which started the scoring.

Then, the floodgates opened.

Hannah Coor hit an RBI single that scored two runs. Two batters later, Nelly McEnroe-Marinas followed with another RBI single that scored two more runs.

The Sooners finished the second inning with five runs on five base hits, which effectively ended any chances for an upset bid by Boston U. The Sooners rode that momentum to an 8-0 win over the Terriers in five innings to open the Norman Regional at Love's Field

That econd inning gave the Sooners the separation they needed, the offense didn't stop there. Barker opened the third inning with a leadoff single, then found her way home after two throwing errors by the Terriers.

The Sooners loaded the bases later in the frame with three walks, then Tia Milloy forced a walk to bring a runner home and push the lead to seven runs.

Corri Hicks delivered the knockout blow. She entered in the fifth inning for her first at-bat and immediately sailed a walk-off solo home run to centerfield to secure the run rule.

While the offense was humming early, Sam Landry battled through some early adversity. She walked to batters in the first inning, then allowed two singles in the top of the second inning. However, four strikeouts and a pair of popups helped Landry all four base runners.

Kierston Deal relieved Landry to open the fourth inning, surrendering one hit while striking out three batters in two innings.

Barker — who got the start at first base instead of usual starter Cydney Sanders — picked up where she left off at the SEC Tournament, going 2-for-3 at the plate. McEnroe-Marinas and Coor each finished with a hit and two RBIs. Emerling and Tia Milloy added RBIs on bases-loaded walks.

With the win, the Sooners advance to take on California at 1 p.m. Saturday. The winner will play in the Norman Regional final on Sunday. California defeated Omaha, 1-0, in the first game of the Norman Regional on Friday.

Not an OUInsider.com premium member? Sign up today to get loads of inside information on Oklahoma football, softball, basketball, and recruiting, all for just a few dollars a month. Click HERE to get started!

Follow us on Twitter @OUInsider and on Instagram @ouinsiderofficial!

Subscribe on YouTube by clicking here for daily video content on all things Oklahoma!