No. 2 Oklahoma beat Long Beach State on Sunday at LBSU Softball Complex behind a late-game offensive performance.

The Sooners (6-0) relied on pitching and late-game execution to outlast the Long Beach (3-1), securing their second extra-inning victory of the season and finishing their California road trip undefeated.

Here are takeaways and highlights from the game:

Dayton Delivers on Both Sides of the Ball

Freshman outfielder Abigale Dayton played the hero for Oklahoma, not only driving in the game-winning run but also making a crucial defensive stop earlier in the game. With two outs in the 11th inning, Dayton roped an RBI double to left center, leaving redshirt junior catcher Isabela Emerling to finally break the scoreless tie.

Dayton also prevented Long Beach State from scoring in the fourth inning, making a diving catch in right center on a ball headed for the gap with a runner on base. The combination of her defense and timely hitting proved pivotal in the Sooners’ win.

Pitching staff shines in scoreless battle

Oklahoma’s pitching trio of junior left hand pitcher Kierston Deal, junior right hand pitcher Paytn Monticelli, and redshirt senior right hand pitcher Isabella Smith combined for 11 scoreless innings, shutting down the Beach’s offense. Deal was particularly dominant, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning before allowing an infield single.

Monticelli and Smith took over in relief, with Smith closing the game by pitching 4.1 shutout innings to earn her third win of the season. The Sooners' pitching depth continues to be a major strength, as they have now allowed just three total runs through six games.

Sooners stay clutch in extra innings

OU’s offense struggled to capitalize early, stranding multiple runners in scoring position. The Sooners loaded the bases in the first and third innings but failed to push a run across. However, when it mattered most, they delivered in extra innings.

After Emerling walked and moved to second on a groundout in the 11th, Dayton’s RBI double put Oklahoma ahead, and sophomore utility player Ella Parker followed with an RBI single to give the Sooners a 2-0 cushion. The late-game breakthrough marked OU’s second extra-inning win of the trip, showing their ability to execute under pressure once again.

Next, Oklahoma heads to Waco, Texas, for the Getterman Classic, where they will face Hofstra at 12 p.m. and Baylor at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15.

This story was edited by Hannah Bryant.

 

What channel is Oklahoma vs. Long Beach State on today?

TV channel: ESPN+

Start time: 1 p.m. CST

Location: LBSU Softball Complex

Notes: This matchup marks the end of a six-game series in California, where the Sooners faced Cal State Northridge, San Diego State, Cal Baptist, Cal State Fullerton, and Loyola Marymount.

Oklahoma Softball schedule

Feb. 6: Oklahoma 7, Cal State Northridge 2

Feb. 6: Oklahoma 11, San Diego State 6 (9 inn.)

Feb. 7: Oklahoma 8, Cal Baptist 0 (5 inn.)

Feb. 7: Oklahoma 13, Cal State Fullerton 3

Feb. 8: Oklahoma 9, Loyola Marymount 0

Feb. 9: at Long Beach State at 1 p.m.

Feb. 15: vs. Hofstra at Waco, Texas, at 12 p.m.

Feb. 15: at Baylor at 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 16: vs. Hofstra at Waco, Texas, at 10 a.m.

Feb. 16: at Baylor at 3 p.m.

Feb. 20: vs. Abilene Christian at 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 20: vs. Wichita State at 4 p.m.

Feb. 21: vs. Abilene Christian at 4 p.m.

Feb. 22: vs. Bowling Green at 4 p.m.

Feb. 23: vs. Tulsa at 1:30 p.m.

Feb 28: vs. Marshall at 1:45 p.m.

Feb. 28: vs. Kansas at 4:15 p.m.

March 1: vs. Kansas at 3:15 p.m.

March 1: vs. Marshall at 6 p.m.

March 2: vs. Kansas City at 1:45 p.m.

March 7: vs. South Carolina at 6:30 p.m.

March 8: vs. South Carolina at 2 p.m.

March 9: vs. South Carolina at 1:30 p.m.

March 12: at Tulsa at 5 p.m.

March 14: at Arkansas at 6 p.m.

March 15: at Arkansas at TBA

March 16: at Arkansas at TBA

March 19: at East Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m.

March 21: at Missouri at 5 p.m.

March 22: at Missouri at 2 p.m.

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