Oklahoma State Softball Blasts Four Solo Homers to Down Kansas 8-1, Bolstering Big 12 Tournament Seed

Key facts

• Oklahoma State defeated Kansas 8-1 on Friday night at Cowgirl Stadium in Stillwater.
• The Cowgirls improved to 36-13 overall and 15-7 in Big 12 play; Kansas fell to 33-17 and 13-9.
• OSU hit four solo home runs: Claire Timm, Rosie Davis, Madison Hoffman, and Aubrey Jones each went deep.
• Ruby Meylan (25-6) earned the win, allowing one earned run on four hits with eight strikeouts and no walks over six innings.
• Kansas starter Chloe Barber (8-7) no-hit OSU through three innings but allowed six runs in the fourth.
• Tia Warsop singled with the bases loaded in the fourth to drive in two runs, then Audrey Schneidmiller added a two-run single.
• Kansas scored its only run on an RBI double by Anna Soles in the sixth inning.
• The series continues Saturday at 2 p.m. CT and Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, both on ESPN+.

Cowgirls Rally Past No-Hit Threat to Seize Series Opener

Oklahoma State softball took a decisive step toward securing a top-three seed in the Big 12 Tournament with an 8-1 victory over Kansas on Friday night at Cowgirl Stadium. The win moved the Cowgirls two games ahead of the Jayhawks in the conference standings, strengthening their position as the No. 3 seed with just one series remaining before the postseason. OSU entered the game holding a one-game lead over Kansas for the third seed, with Arizona and UCF also in contention. Arizona defeated Utah and UCF beat Iowa State on Friday, but Kansas's loss created separation. The Cowgirls now sit at 15-7 in Big 12 play, while Kansas dropped to 13-9.

Six-Run Fourth Inning Breaks Open Scoreless Tie

For three innings, Kansas starter Chloe Barber silenced the Cowgirls' bats, no-hitting OSU through the top of the third. But the fourth inning proved decisive. With the bases loaded, Tia Warsop singled to score Rosie Davis and Gabby Castillo, giving OSU a 2-0 lead. Amanda Hasler advanced to third on the play. Audrey Schneidmiller followed with a two-run single, plating Macy Graf and Warsop, who had moved to second base. The outburst gave OSU a 4-0 lead, more than enough for starter Ruby Meylan. The Cowgirls added four more runs on solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings, making the final margin comfortable.

Solo Home Runs Provide Insurance and Exclamation

Claire Timm and Rosie Davis hit back-to-back solo home runs in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 6-0. In the sixth, Madison Hoffman and Aubrey Jones each launched solo shots, pushing the score to 8-0. The four home runs were all solo shots, and no Cowgirl had more than one hit in the game. OSU managed only seven hits total off Kansas pitching. Despite the power display, the Cowgirls' offense was concentrated: all eight runs came in the final three innings. Barber held OSU hitless through three frames but was charged with six earned runs in 3.2 innings of work.

Meylan Dominates in Circle, Crandall Closes

Ruby Meylan, the reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week, delivered another strong performance. She allowed four hits and one earned run over six innings, striking out eight and walking none. Meylan improved to 25-6 on the season. RyLee Crandall pitched a scoreless seventh inning, allowing one hit. Kansas scored its only run in the sixth inning on an RBI double by Anna Soles. The Jayhawks threatened earlier but were thwarted by a critical defensive play in the third inning.

Warsop's Double Play Preserves Scoreless Tie

In the top of the third, with the game still scoreless, Kansas's Kadence Stafford hit a fly ball to left field. Tia Warsop caught it and then threw out Aynslee Linduff, who had tagged from third base and attempted to score. The double play ended the inning and kept the game tied, preserving the momentum for OSU's subsequent rally. The defensive play proved pivotal, as Barber had been cruising through the OSU lineup. After that, the Cowgirls broke through in the fourth and never looked back.

Series Implications and Tournament Outlook

With the win, Oklahoma State likely needs to win the series to secure a top-three seed in the Big 12 Tournament. The Cowgirls are now two games ahead of Kansas with two games remaining in the regular-season series. Arizona and UCF also remain in contention for seeding. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. CT, and Game 3 on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT, both broadcast on ESPN+. A series win would solidify OSU's position and provide momentum heading into the conference tournament.

The bottom line

• Oklahoma State's 8-1 win over Kansas puts them two games ahead in the race for the No. 3 Big 12 Tournament seed.
• Ruby Meylan improved to 25-6 with eight strikeouts and no walks, continuing her dominant season.
• The Cowgirls hit four solo home runs, all in the fifth and sixth innings, after scoring six runs in the fourth.
• Kansas starter Chloe Barber no-hit OSU through three innings but allowed six runs in the fourth.
• Tia Warsop's double play in the third inning kept the game scoreless and shifted momentum.
• The series continues Saturday and Sunday, with OSU needing to win the series to likely secure a top-three seed.