Oklahoma, Florida move into good spots
OKLAHOMA CITY — Sydney Romero hit a solo homer to help defending national champion Oklahoma defeat Washington 3-1 on Friday night in the Women’s College World Series.
Paige Parker (25-5) gave up three hits and one run in 61⁄3 innings for the win. Paige Lowary got the save for the Sooners (58-9), who advanced to Sunday’s semifinals and are one victory from the championship series again.
Oklahoma’s Fale Aviu scored in the second inning when she avoided a tag at home. Kelsey Arnold reached on an error in the fifth and scored on a single by Aviu. Romero’s homer pushed the lead to 3-0.
Washington pitcher Taran Alvelo (27-8) went six innings and gave up five hits and two earned runs for the Huskies (49-13), who will play the winner of UCLA Texas A&M on Saturday in an elimination game.
Florida 7, Louisiana State 0: Kelly Barnhill threw her second straight shutout in the CWS, giving up two hits and striking out eight for the top-seeded Gators. Barnhill (26-3) helped put Florida (57-8) within one victory of a spot in the championship series.
The Gators’ Chelsea Herndon doubled to score two in the top of the fourth, Janell Wheaton hit a solo homer in the top of the sixth and Kayli Kvistad hit a tworun homer in the seventh.
LSU starter Carly Hoover (15-8) gave up two runs on four hits in five innings, and Allie Walljasper struggled in relief for the Tigers (48-21).