March 16, 2016 Box Score
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Sophomore pitcher Kaitlin Beason racked up a career-high five strikeouts, but a late surge by Oklahoma State downed the Missouri State softball team (10-13) by a score of 4-0 in Stillwater, Okla., on Wednesday. Missouri State's offense was held to just two hits in the game.
Elena Gambill drew a leadoff walk in the third inning, but she only reached second base before the frame ended. It was the 23rd-straight game to begin the season that the Bears got a free base by walk or hit by pitch.
Mary Stephens led off the MSU fourth inning with a solid single through the left side, the first hit of the game for the Bears. Later in the inning, Molly Fields was hit by a pitch to put two aboard. With two down, Hailee Vigneaux singled to right, but OSU cut down the potential go-ahead run at the plate to end the frame.
The Cowgirls (12-11) seized the momentum of that play and scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. OSU added three more runs in the fifth inning to extend the lead to 4-0. The Bears got out of the jam on an inning-ending double play started and ended by shortstop Erin Duewel.
Missouri State will return to Killian Stadium for the first time in 2016 for the home and conference opener on Saturday versus Illinois State. The 12:00 p.m. doubleheader against the Redbirds will once again pit the two winningest coaches in MVC history. The three-game set against ISU begins a six-game home stand with Bradley coming to Springfield on March 25 and 26.
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