Cowgirls Fall to Minnesota, 1-0
Stillwater, Okla. — Sarah Moulton threw a three-hit shutout for Minnesota and the 20th-ranked Oklahoma State Cowgirls fell to the Golden Gophers 1-0 here Sunday afternoon in the championship game of the Mizuno Classic.
Cowgirl starting pitcher Simone Freeman allowed only three hits as well. However, the most costly one came in the top of the sixth when a drive to right field by Kari Dorle scored pinch runner Kristen Coonrod from third base. Malisa Barnes led off the inning with a walk, and was replaced by Coonrod. After a sacrifice bunt moved her to second, Coonrod advanced to third on a fly ball by Alex Davis. Dorle then connected on her second hit of the game just over the outstretched glove of Alysia Hamilton at second base.
Oklahoma State had scoring opportunities throughout the game. The Cowgirls had runners on first and second in the first inning and runners on first and third in the fourth. With two outs in the fifth, Hamilton walked to load the bases, but Julie Ward grounded out to first to end the threat.
Freeman (7-4) threw 5-2/3 innings, walking three while striking out seven. Sophomore ace Kat Espinosa retired the final four Minnesota batters, striking out three Golden Gophers.
Oklahoma State (20-6) will return to action next weekend when the Cowgirls travel to Tampa, Fla., to compete in the -The Game Tournament. will open the tournament with Kent State on Friday at 4:30 pm CT.
Mizuno Classic
Sunday’s Results
Consolation Game – Northern Iowa 6, Northern Colorado 3
Championship Game – Minnesota 1, Oklahoma State 0
Updated 03-14-2011
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