OSU Softball: Cowgirls Beat Loyola Marymount with Seventh-Inning Home Run

The new-look Cowgirls struggled against a tough pitcher Friday in Los Angeles, but a big hit from a transfer kept Oklahoma State unbeaten.

OSU beat Loyola Marymount 1-0 to move to 2-0 on the year. Liberty transfer Caroline Wang provided the Cowgirls’ run, hitting a two-out solo home run in the top of the seventh inning as a pinch hitter.

From there, Lexi Kilfoyl closed the door on the OSU defense’s second shutout in as many games.

The tight contest against the Lions might raise a few eyebrows, but LMU pitcher Jenna Perez is a tough out. She ranked 12th nationally in strikeouts last season. She proved just as tough in her season debut, striking out 11 while allowing only three hits.

It was another solid day for the OSU pitching staff, however. Kyra Aycock got the start after not playing against Cal State-Northridge on Thursday. In the first action of her sophomore season, Aycock threw four innings, allowing no runs off three hits while walking one and striking out four.

From there, Ivy Rosenberry took to the circle. She had the unique distinction in striking out four batters in only one inning of work. How did that happen? Well, after allowing a leadoff single in the fifth, Rosenberry bounced back with back-to-back-to-back strikeouts. She then came back out in the sixth and struck out Avery Francis, but Francis reached first on what was ruled a wild pitch.

Rosenberry then made way for Kilfoyl, who in two innings of work allowed one hit and struck out one.

Tallen Edwards, Claire Timm and Wang recorded hits for the Cowgirls. Edwards also drew a pair of walks, finishing the day 1-for-1 with a steal, a put-out and two assists.

The Cowgirls’ Cali road trip continues Saturday, where OSU will play Utah State at 11 a.m. (Central) and UC-Riverside at 1:30 p.m. in Riverside as part of the Lynn Russell Miller Classic. The Cowgirls close their weekend with a big game against UCLA at 3 p.m. Sunday. That UCLA game will be televised on ESPN.