Kinzie Hansen helps OU softball open up Love's Field in style
All the celebration, all the pageantry, but oh yea, there was a game for No. 1-ranked OU softball to play as well.
And another memory for Kinzie Hansen to make.
The co-captain, the super senior opened Love’s Field in style with a two-run walk-off home run to earn the 9-7 victory in the OU Tournament in the first game at Love’s Field on Friday afternoon.
Hansen’s blast came after what felt like an improbable four-run top of the seventh from Miami (Ohio) that included back-to-back-to-back home runs.
An incredibly emotional day that began with a dedication ceremony three hours before first pitch. But it was Miami (Ohio) who reminded everybody there was still work to be done.
The joke all week was about who would hit the first home run at Love’s Field, turned out to be Karli Spaid for Miami (Ohio). Huh. OK, game on.
The visitors scored three in the top of the first inning and didn’t register another hit until the seventh inning barrage.
It was about OU (15-0) finding its composure, groove and earning its 68th straight victory. It did, slowly but surely. A champions’ heart. Never out of it – it’s the way this team operates.
A big blast came from Alyssa Brito, with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth to make it 3-3. Riley Ludlam came through with a pinch-hit RBI single in the sixth.
OU took control in that frame, looking like it was over. Jayda Coleman hit a two-run home run, and then freshman Kasidi Pickering went back-to-back to stretch the lead in the bottom of the sixth. And then Miami made its stunning surge.
Nicole May didn’t have her best stuff but did earn the first strikeout at Love’s Field. She went 3.2 innings, allowing the two hits with five walks and six strikeouts.
SJ Geurin came in after Karlie Keeney’s rough seventh inning and Geurin earned the win with her performance in the seventh.
“This is the final piece to complete the OU softball program,” said head coach Patty Gasso during the dedication ceremony. “This is it, right here. And everyone is going to follow the lead. Our team is honored to represent over 300 alumni, some that are here today on this field. We will give our best to make all of you proud.”
One game in the books, and might have taken a while, but Love’s Field opened in style.
