SHAWNEE – Kayleigh Jones tossed her fifth-career no-hitter as Oklahoma Baptist (10-6, 4-0 GAC) blanked Northwestern Oklahoma State (8-5, 2-2 GAC) 8-0 in five innings in Friday night's series opener.
If Jones hadn't walked a batter at the top of the fourth frame, she would've recorded the second perfect game in OBU softball history.
The fifth-year twirler registered 11 strikeouts and walked two in five frames to improve her season record to 6-2. Furthermore, it was the fourth time Jones has reached double figures in punchouts this year.
Ally Ryan and Samantha Campos led OBU's offensive efforts with two RBI apiece. Ryan sent a two-run shot over center field while Campos finished 2-for-2 at the plate. It was Ryan's fourth home run of the season, a team-best.
Kennedy Clark and Emily Adler also charted a couple of hits. Adler scored twice, and Clark crossed the plate once.
Adi Reese scored two runs, too, while Sammie Greene and Morgan Max collected a hit.
Collectively, OBU racked up 10 hits for the third time this year.
Ryan's moonshot in the opening frame broke the game open before Clark sent Reese home for a 3-0 Bison advantage at the bottom of the third. Campos brought in Clark moments later for a four-run cushion.
By this time, Jones had already fanned seven in the circle and hadn't allowed a batter on base.
After a near-flawless outing from Jones at the top of the fourth, Oklahoma Baptist tacked on four scores to signal the mercy rule.
Two more strikeouts and a fly-out garnered OBU its 10th win of the year and put a stamp on another historic pitching performance from Jones.
NEXT UP
OBU returns to Bison Softball Park tomorrow to wrap up the series in a doubleheader beginning at noon.
