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March 28, 2009

Box Score |  Photo Gallery 

AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas Softball team scored the most runs it has ever scored in a Big 12 Conference game as it downed No. 6 Oklahoma, 15-6, Saturday afternoon at McCombs Field. The run-rule loss marked the first time OU had lost a Big 12 game via run-rule in almost three seasons. Texas' win improved the Horns to 25-11 on the year and 3-1 in conference play, while the Sooners fell to 27-9 and 4-1 in league action.

Sophomore starter Brittany Barnhill (14-6) notched the victory for the Longhorns, firing her 13th complete game of the season and scattering six runs on six hits over 5.0 innings. Oklahoma southpaw D.J. Mathis (8-3) suffered the loss after throwing 2.0 innings and allowing seven runs on six hits and walking four.

Texas jumped out to a quick 4-0 edge in the first, taking advantage of three OU walks and a pair of two-out hits. After a leadoff walk by UT, Oklahoma held runners at first base via two fielder's choices, but back-to-back walks by junior designated player Loryn Johnson and freshman third baseman Nadia Taylor loaded the bases. Freshman rightfielder Courtney Craig then laced a two-run single down the left field line to plate the first two runs. Barnhill followed with an RBI triple to right field that pushed Taylor and Craig across to give Texas a four-run lead.

The Longhorns tacked on another run in the second when senior leftfielder Crystal Saenz led off with a single through the middle, stole second and came around to score on an RBI single by senior centerfielder Kacie Gaskin.

Oklahoma rallied for two runs in the top of third, using a bases loaded walk by Amber Flores to score the first run and a sacrifice fly by Samantha Ricketts to close the margin to 5-2.

In its half of the third, Texas sent 12 hitters to the plate, scoring eight runs on eight hits to balloon the margin to 13-2. Johnson, Taylor and Craig started the inning with three straight singles, with pinch runner Kori Cook scoring on Craig's hit to left field. After moving into scoring position, Taylor made the inning's second out at the plate, but Craig came home on Gaskin's RBI single. A walk by senior first baseman Desiree Williams loaded the bases and an RBI single by freshman shortstop Lexy Bennett scored Saenz to make the score 7-2.

Sophomore catcher Amy Hooks followed with a three-run double and Johnson notched her second hit of the inning -- an RBI double- that scored Hooks. Taylor added an identical double down the left field line to plate Johnson and cap the eight-run rally.

The Sooners answered with four runs in the fourth, taking advantage of a two-out hit-by-pitch to start their rally. Centerfielder Haley Anderson pushed a run across with an RBI double and after another free pass, pinch hitter Karolyne Long launched a three-run homer that narrowed the UT lead to 13-6.

Texas finished off Oklahoma in the home half of the fourth, when Saenz and Williams set the table with a base hit and a walk, respectively. Bennett connected for a two-run double, scoring both runners and moving the tally to 15-6.

Bennett, Hooks and Craig headlined the Texas offense with two hits and three RBI apiece on the day, while Hooks and Craig plated two runs each.

Texas returns to action on Sunday, March 29 when it concludes its two-game series with Oklahoma. First pitch is set for noon.

POSTGAME NOTES
· Texas' victory improved its all-time record against Oklahoma to 19-19.
· Desiree Williams' four walks against the Sooners set a new UT single-game record, breaking the previous record of three, held by 21 other Longhorns.
· The Longhorns 16 runs in the win marked the highest run output ever by UT in a Big 12 Conference game.

POSTGAME QUOTES
HEAD COACH Connie Clark
On the hitters being more patient at the plate: I know (assistant) coach (Corrie) Hill started preaching about being patient at the beginning of the season. That was one area we thought we could improve upon. They are just getting better week-to-week. Obviously, we saw it on Thursday night and when we were up at Missouri last week. When you take your time, it makes the pitchers work a lot harder and it gives your bench an opportunity to see what the umpire's zone is going to be. It gives you a lot of extra looks. I think we have looked very patient at the plate.

On Desiree Williams' four walks today: It was absolutely a great thing. The nice thing is that she is patient enough. I think when hitters are being patient like that, it tells you that they have a bigger picture and that it's about the team. They're not trying to do too much and be selfish. They just think about getting people on, advancing runners and doing all of the little things to win. That's really important for us.

On scoring the most runs in Texas history during a Big 12 game: We tell our players to just keep playing until someone tells them the game is over. I think you have to keep competing. This team has really taken that to heart and they are doing a really nice job of that.

SOPHOMORE P Brittany Barnhill
On being able to pitch in front of UT alums: Oh, I love Meagan (Denny) and I'm really glad she came down. It was just really cool to see everybody from the past years and I hope they enjoyed us winning that game, because I know it was really exciting for us.

On if the team puts more of an emphasis on the OU game: I don't want to say we do, but it certainly is a big game with the rivalry between us. I think that it's always tough to go to Norman and play, and I know it's always tough for them to come here. It was important to get that win for us today.

On having another good offensive game: I think I can always improve. Right now, I'm confident going to the plate, and I wasn't as confident at the beginning of the season. So, I'm glad I'm being more productive when I get into the box. Just being in the lineup consistently and getting clutch hits when I can has really helped me out. Sometimes big hits come and sometimes they don't, but as long as I'm helping my team out, I feel pretty good about it.