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Oklahoma State softball wins series vs Texas as Lexi Kilfoyl pitches another shutout

Oklahoma State batters managed just one hit on Saturday, but that was enough.

The eighth-ranked Cowgirls got a three-run home run from Caroline Wang in the first inning and ace pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl made it stand in a 3-0 victory over second-ranked Texas before a record crowd at Cowgirl Stadium.

A total of 1,757 fans came through the gates to see OSU (29-6, 9-3 Big 12) take the series from the Longhorns (29-5, 9-3) with bookend wins on Thursday and Saturday.

Following Wang’s home run, OSU never had another baserunner. Texas pitchers Estelle Czech and Mac Morgan combined to retire 17 straight Cowgirls from that point. Morgan entered in the third inning and retired all 11 she faced.

But Kilfoyl was nearly as dominant. She walked one and allowed two harmless singles, with OSU taking advantage of Texas baserunning mistakes.

OSU's Caroline Wang (66) celebrates as she comes home after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning against Texas on Saturday in Stillwater.
OSU's Caroline Wang (66) celebrates as she comes home after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning against Texas on Saturday in Stillwater.

After a leadoff single in the third inning, Texas’ Kayden Henry reached on a fielder’s choice but was thrown out stealing by Wang to end the inning.

In the sixth, Bella Dayton singled, but was called out after OSU coach Kenny Gajewski challenged that she had left first base early on a steal attempt. Video review showed she did, and the inning was over.

The Cowgirl offense was equally opportunistic with Texas miscues. OSU freshman Rosie Davis reached on an error at third base with one out in the bottom of the first, and Karli Godwin was hit by a pitch immediately after. Wang followed with her team-best 11th home run of the season, and her fourth in the last six games.

Kilfoyl earned the win Thursday as well, combining to throw 14 shutout innings against the Longhorns, who managed just nine hits and two walks against her. She struck out 11.

The Cowgirls head south next week, visiting North Texas at 6 p.m. Wednesday before a three-game series at Houston starting Friday.

More: Oklahoma State softball falls short vs Texas as Longhorns even up series against Cowgirls

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State softball shuts out Texas, wins key Big 12 series