Oklahoma Sooners run rule Central Arkansas 9-0 to open Cowgirl Challenge

June 8, 2023; Oklahoma City; Oklahoma Sooners outfielder Rylie Boone (0) bunts in the third inning against the Florida State Seminoles during game two of the Women’s College World Series finals at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Oklahoma won the game 3-1 and the National Championship. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma Sooners offense erupted in the bottom of the fourth inning for nine runs, which was all they needed to beat Central Arkansas and move to 5-0 on the season.

Central Arkansas starter Julia Petty kept the Sooners’ bats at bay for three innings, surrendering just a few hits. But in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Sooners bats came to life.

Kinzie Hansen led off the inning with an infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error. True freshman Ella Parker took advantage and drove Hansen in on an RBI single, giving the Sooners a 1-0 lead. Parker took second on the throw home. After Kasidi Pickering walked, Alynah Torres singled to bring Parker in to make it 2-0. Pickering went first to third on the hit to keep the scoring threat alive.

After Torres stole second, putting a pair of runners in scoring position, Rylie Boone cleared the bases with a triple to right field. Avery Hodge followed that up with a triple of her own to make it 5-0 Sooners with no outs in the inning.

Hodge scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-0 followed by doubles from Jayda Coleman and Tiare Jennings made it 7-0. Riley Ludlam, pinch hitting for Cydney Sanders, reahed on an error and Hansen walked to load the bases for Parker. Parker came through again with an RBI single to score Jennings and make it 8-0 and put the run rule in effect. The final run of the nine-run fourth inning came from Hannah Coor, who reached on a fielder’s choice but scored Ludlam in the process.

It was the type of showing that reminded us that the Sooners can put runs on the board in a hurry. They sent 11 batters to the plate before Central Arkansas was able to record an out in the inning. By the time the bottom of the fourth came to a close, the game was all but over.

Nicole May threw another four scoreless innings to keep her ERA at a perfect 0.00 on the season. She allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six for another fantastic performance from the Sooners veteran.

Peytn Monticelli worked a scoreless fifth inning, surrendering a walk while also striking out the side to close out the Sooners win.

Coleman, Jennings, Parker, and Torres each recorded two hits. Parker and Boone each had a pair of RBIs.

It was a strong performance to start the weekend in Lake Charles. Though the bats were slow to get going, once they did, Oklahoma couldn’t be stopped. The Sooners extended their record winning-streak to 58 games with the win ahead of their night cap with McNeese State.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners run rule Central Arkansas 9-0 to open Cowgirl Challenge