Kala Ratliff had a pair of run-scoring hits for OC in a 4-1 win over Bacone on Friday. The Lady Eagles also beat Bethel (Kan.) 11-3.
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas (Feb. 24, 2012) – Sarah Peoples and Monique Elliott each had three hits as Oklahoma Christian beat Bethel (Kan.) 11-3 in five innings on Friday to sweep a pair of games in the St. Gregory's Invitational.
In the first game, Kala Ratliff had run-scoring hits in the third and fifth innings as the Lady Eagles downed Bacone 4-1.
"We had solid pitching efforts today, backed by some great defense to get us off to a great start for the weekend," OC assistant coach Jessica Hauf said. "Our bats started a little slow in the first game, but our offense really picked it up in the second game.
"I'm really proud of how hard we played today and ready to see what the girls can do tomorrow."
OC (6-1) jumped ahead of Bethel (6-7-1) with three runs in the first inning, as Kayla Jennings and Michelle Miller delivered RBI singles.
The Threshers tied the game with two runs in the third and one in the fourth, but OC answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Monique Elliott and Davee Croy both had bases-loaded singles for the Lady Eagles.
OC scored five more time off Bethel pitcher Rachel Unruh in the fifth and ended the game via the 8-run rule. Kendra Pierce hit a two-run home run during the outburst. OC finished the game with 15 hits, led by 3-for-4 efforts from Peoples and Elliott.
In her first action this season, OC pitcher Krystal Rodriguez (1-0) went the distance, allowing five hits, walking two and striking out four to pick up the win.
Against Bacone, Ratliff's single to shallow centerfield in the bottom of the third put OC ahead 1-0 and Pierce drew a bases-loaded walk from Bacone starter Jillian Zeman (0-2) to make it 2-0.
In the fifth, Ratliff tripled to deep right field to score Jennings, who had singled. Ratliff scored herself on the play by advancing on the throw, putting OC up 4-0. The Warriors (1-6) scored their lone run in the sixth, as Ashton Scott walked and came home on a sacrifice fly by Brittany Hand.
OC starter Taylor Mosher (2-0) allowed four hits and struck out three in five-plus innings before giving way to Ashley Paxton, who allowed one hit in two shutout innings.
The Lady Eagles will play two more games in the St. Gregory's event on Saturday, facing Friends (Kan.) at noon and Texas Wesleyan at 1:30 p.m.
