Oklahoma Tops Arizona State To Advance To Championship

The Oklahoma Sooners advanced to the Championship Series of the Women's College World Series Sunday by knocking off defending champion Arizona State 5-2, thanks to a strong outing from starter Keilani Ricketts.

The junior pitcher picked up her 36th win of the season, turning in a complete-game performance, giving up three earned runs on eight hits, striking out 13 batters. Ricketts capped off her outing by striking out the side in the top of the seventh inning to end the game and advance to the championship matchup.

Two of her three earned runs came in the top of the first on a two-out, two-run double from Annie Lockwood to give the Sun Devils a 2-0 advantage.

Katie Norris cut into the lead in the bottom of the second via a solo home run, and Ricketts tied the game in the bottom of the third on a RBI single to center, bringing Javen Henson home from second. Jessica Shults followed with a two-run double, and scored on an error in the next at-bat to give the Sooners a 5-2 advantage with four innings to play.

Ricketts allowed one more run in the contest, a fielder's choice in the top of the fourth, but that finished the scoring for the Sun Devils.

Arizona State ace Dallas Escobedo (24-8) picked up a loss for her outing, giving up five runs on nine hits, striking out eight in her six innings of service.

Oklahoma will take on the Alabama Crimson Tide, starting the best-of-three Championship Series at p.m. Monday.