OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The University of Texas softball team found a way to break through against Texas Tech ace NiJaree Canady for a wild 2-1 win Wednesday in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series.
Tech was leading 1-0 heading into the sixth inning with Canady dominating in the pitcher’s circle, allowing only one hit.
After two quick outs, it appeared the nation’s most dominant pitcher was about to put the finishing touches on the win.
That’s when Texas improbably strung three straight hits together to score two runs and take the lead.
It was capped in stunning fashion by Reese Atwood swinging at a 3-0 pitch to drive in two runs when Tech was attempting to intentionally walk her.
Texas pitcher Teagan Kavan, who allowed only three hits, shut down the Red Raiders in the top of the seventh to complete the win.
Tech had its chances, including in the first inning when the Red Raiders loaded the bases with no outs, only to allow the Longhorns to get out of the jam.
Tech then took the lead on an RBI single by Mihyia Davis in the fifth inning, following a controversial obstruction call when pinch runner Logan Halleman was initially thrown out attempting to steal second base, only to have the call overturned.
It appeared that one run might be enough with the way Canady was pitching.
Texas will have a chance to clinch the national title in the best-of-three series when they meet in Game 2 at 7 p.m. Thursday on ESPN.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: