NCAA Women's College World Series
Don E. Porter Hall of Fame Stadium
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Weather: Mostly sunny, high 70s, rain forecast
Saturday's games (All times Central):
Game 7 - Alabama 3 vs. Oklahoma 6
Game 8 - 3 p.m. - Louisiana vs. UCLA
Game 9 - 6 p.m. - Oklahoma vs. California
Game 10 - 8:30 p.m. - winner game 8 vs. Washington
**GAME 7 WAS DELAYED ONE HOUR DUE TO RAIN**Sunday's schedule (All times Central):
Game 11 - noon - Arizona vs. winner game 9
Game 12 - 2:30 p.m. - Texas vs. winner game 10
Game 13 (if necessary) - 5 p.m.
Game 14 (if necessary) - 7:30 p.m.
**If game 14 is the only necessary game of the evening, it will be played at 5 p.m.Monday's game (CDT):
Championship game - 3:30 p.m.
Game 7: Alabama 3, Oklahoma 6 -- FINAL (9 innings)
Oklahoma 002 100 003 -- 6-9-1
Alabama 000 021 000 -- 3-4-1
Erin Wright, Stephanie VanBrakle (5) (Alabama) and Kami Keiter (Oklahoma)
Winning Pitcher: Kami Keiter (34-8)
Losing Pitcher: Stephanie VanBrakle (18-7)
Playing to an overflow crowd, the "home" team didn't waste any time scoring runs. Oklahoma scored two in the top of the third. Leadoff batter Jennifer Stump walked, followed by a Kami Keiter sacrifice bunt and a successful bunt from April Valdez that put runners at the corners. With Erin Evans at the plate, Valdez stole second, but the throw from the catcher was off and rolled into the outfield allowing Valdez and Stump to score. The Sooners padded the lead in the fourth with a solo homer from Kelli Braitsch. The Crimson Tide cut the lead by two in the fifth with two solo home runs by Staci Ramsey and Jackie Wilkins. Alabama tied it up in the sixth on a Jackie McClain single, a walk by Stephanie VanBrakle and Lacy Prejean to load the bases. Staci Ramsey flew out allowing the runner at third to score. The Sooners scored three in the top of the ninth on a leadoff single to left from Christina Enea, a fielder's choice bunt by Kelli Braitsch that left runners at first and second, and a Jennifer Stump double to left that scored one and left runners at second and third. With April Valdez at the plate, a wild pitch allowed another run to score; Valdez walked. Erin Evans singled to third putting runners at first and second. Kristen Vesely struck out leaving two on base, but the Sooners up by three.
Alabama was eliminated. Oklahoma plays Cal tonight at 6 p.m. CDT.
WHAT THEY SAID
"It was an intense game. It started when we figured out when we were going to play. I like they way we came out and scored early. We scored without getting it past the pitcher. We executed our short game. I'm proud of the fight in this team. I belive this team is glad to get the win. I'm anxious to see them come out tonight." (Although asked indirectly about some questionable umpiring calls, Gasso reminded her players not to comment.)
"I feel like I had to make a change (to adjust to the umpire). I turned it around and said I'll work with you. I just got extra focus and not let myself take the team down. You can't let those things get you down (giving up home runs) because you can't get it back."
"It feels like my back yard. I've been playing here siince I was a sophomore in high school. The fans are unbelievable, they really backed us today."
"I thought it was a typical Alabama performance for this team. We have fought back many times. We had a couple chances to win it. It was an exciting game for the fans, but not so much for the coaches."
"I was just seeing the ball big. I had been watching her throw everyone else. I didn't think it would go over, but I knew the team needed a spark and that did it."
"It flew by. It's hard to remember because it went so fast. I think we needed more experience in this situation. Maybe next year we can come out (and do better)."
Go to NCAA Championships for the complete Women's College World Series schedule, including television coverage.
