SHAWNEE – A 16 strikeout performance from
Kayleigh Jones steered Oklahoma Baptist (30-21, 16-14 GAC) to a series sweep of Arkansas-Monticello (17-29, 11-18 GAC) on Saturday afternoon as OBU claimted the finale game 8-1 at Bison Softball Park.
Today's triumph marks the first 30-win season since 2014 and is the most overall wins in the Division II era. Furthermore, the 16 conference victories tie last season's total.
For Jones, her total strikeouts tie the all-time single-game record (16) set by Kayla Jones in 2004.
The junior pitcher was fantastic in the finale, pitching a complete game to improve her win total to 19, a conference-best. Jones surrendered three hits and allowed one run to complete a 2-0 weekend in the circle. She posted a 1.37 ERA in three appearances and struck out 27 batters.
Following a scoreless opening inning, Oklahoma Baptist got to work. Jones retired the opposition 1-2-3 at the top of the frame to allow a three-run OBU eruption in the bottom of the second.
Samantha Campos reached base on a UAM fielding error, placing the first Bison on base. Then,
Gwyn Miller charted an infield single, bunting to advance Campos and tally another bag.
Sheyanne Sandoval brought one around with a single into center for the game's first score.
Sammie Greene followed with a double to plate another and place Sandoval on third.
The excitement ended with an
Adi Reese ground out, crossing Sandoval to draw the tally 3-0.
The Blossoms managed a run in the fourth, but OBU countered with another three-run inning in the fifth.
It was a UAM error that placed Sandoval on base to start the inning off and a fielder's choice that eventually scored the Bison's fourth run.
Jocee Sparks tallied an RBI single to chart the second score and rounded the bases for the third run after a fielding error by the Blossoms' catcher.
Oklahoma Baptist tacked on two more in the following, courtesy of Sandoval and Greene, for good measure.
Then, Jones retired the last two batters to mark the game's ending.
Sandoval and Greene led the squad with two RBI's apiece, finishing 2-3 and 2-2 at the plate. Additionally, Sandoval matched her career-high of runs scored (3).
Three others,
Reagan Ford, Reese, and Sparks registered an RBI. Furthermore,
Shelby Warden and
Gwyn Miller rounded out OBU batter's with a hit apiece.
Next up, the Bison will return home for the regular-season finale series with Henderson State on April 29-30. First pitch is scheduled for Friday night at 5 p.m.
