By Michael Kinney
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Spark played their first-ever game at their new home digs Saturday night. After starting the season at the University of Oklahoma, the newest member of the Women’s Professional Fastpitch League (WPFL) christened the USA Hall of Fame Stadium by facing off with the Texas Smoke.
In a battle of the top two teams in the WPFL, the Smoke ruined the opener for Spark’s fans as they claimed a 5-1 victory in the first outing of a three-game homestand.
Oklahoma City had several chances to steal the game. That includes in the bottom of the sixth when they loaded the bases with just one out.
University of Oklahoma alum Lynnsie Elam came to the plate to face Texas relief pitcher Alexis Handley. However, it was Handley who won the battle by striking out Elam.
That left it up to Sami Williams, who came to bat with two outs on the board. Unfortunately for the Sparks, Williams suffered the same fate as she struck out swinging.
The Smoke added another run in the top of the seventh to extend their advantage to 5-1 and close out the game.
Oklahoma City dropped to 8-3 on the season. In the Spark’s three losses this season, they have been held to one run in each and outscored by a combined score of 12-3.
Texas (10-2) did most of their damage in the top of the third inning when they scored three runs off former Sooners’ star Keilani Ricketts. Then Morgan Howe posted a solo homer in the fourth to put the Smoke ahead 4-0.
Oklahoma City’s offense showed some life in the fifth inning when Michelle Moultrie drove in a run to close the deficit back down to three runs.
However, that was all the Spark was able to muster for the rest of the night.
Oklahoma City and Texas will face off again Sunday at 7 p.m. They will conclude their series Monday at 7 p.m. as well.
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