EDMOND, Okla. – Kayleigh Jones broke the single-game Oklahoma Baptist (6-6) record for strikeouts in OBU's 1-0, nine-inning victory over Central Missouri (3-4) on Sunday afternoon to wrap up action at the Raising Cane's Softball Festival.
Jones registered a career-best 20 strikeouts, her highest number of punchouts since she posted 16 in a victory over Emporia State (2/19/23) a season ago. She also collected 16 strikeouts one other time in her career, as a junior in 2022, against Arkansas Monticello (4/23/22).
The Claremore, Okla. native surrendered one hit and did not give up a run in nine innings. The victory improves her season record to 4-2.
After neither club drew a connection in the opening frame, an Ally Ryan single charted a hit for Oklahoma Baptist in the second. Kennedy Clark singled in the next at-bat to advance Ryan to second with one out on the board.
Clark would get thrown out moments later as Cassidy Morrow reached base on a fielder's choice. Then, Ayzia Shirey was walked to load the bags. However, the Jennies struck out OBU's next batter to end the frame without a blemish.
The Bison added four more hits to the scorebook over the next five innings but failed to chart a run.
At the top of the seventh, an Emily Adler single started things off for OBU, but the Jennies quickly shut the door and retired the side. At the bottom of the frame, Jones and company held their own to force extras.
After a scoreless eighth inning, Adler's bat rang true again, as her third hit of the contest sent Sydney Adler in for a 1-0 Bison lead.
Jones forced a fly-out and a ground-out before striking out CMU's final batter to give Oklahoma Baptist the win.
E. Adler turned in a season-best 3-for-5 showing at the plate, while Kennedy Clark went a perfect 2-for-2.
Registering stolen bags for the Bison were Sammie Greene, Meghan Roberts, and Reagan Ford.
NEXT UP
Oklahoma Baptist opens Great American Conference play against Harding next week in Shawnee on Friday, Feb. 18. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
