No. 21 Mustangs finally get to Blake, earn split with Central Oklahoma

EDMOND, Okla. - The Midwestern State University Mustangs did something they had never done Tuesday afternoon at Broncho Field.

They scored an earned run on Central Oklahoma sophomore ace Alli Blake.

But it's what the No. 21-ranked Mustangs continued doing that earned them a split with the Bronchos in Lone Star Conference North Division play, dropping the first game 1-0 before taking the second 9-7.

MSU improved to 39-12 on the season, but remains one game back of Central Oklahoma in the in division play at 16-6. The Bronchos are now 24-11 on the season and 17-4 against the North division.

The Mustangs can claim at least a share of the LSC North title if they sweep Central Oklahoma Saturday afternoon at the Sunrise Optimist Complex. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m.

Blake weaved her third career shutout against Mustangs in the opener, holding them to four hits to make Karmen Kauk's solo blast in the fourth inning stand up for a 1-0 win.

MSU starter Brittany Willson went the distance to fall to 23-8 on the season. Willson allowed six hits, walked none and struck out six.

Blake extended a string of 29 innings without allowing an earned run against MSU dating back to last season. That streak would reach 32 before it was snapped in the nightcap.

MSU defeated Blake last season 8-0, but all five runs on her ledger were unearned.

The same theme almost applied against as Blake allowed seven runs on 11 hits in the night cap, but only one of those runs were earned.

The Mustangs scrapped for five unearned runs in the sixth inning of Game 2 to build a 9-2 lead before the Bronchos rallied for three runs in the bottom of the inning to close the MSU advantage to 9-7.

Chantelle Lee laced a triple to right field to lead off the MSU sixth before scoring on Rachel Smith's throwing error. It was the first of six runs for the Mustangs as Amanda Hill ripped a two-run single to right field and Lee capped the scoring with an RBI double.

Willson earned the win in relief of Ashley Kuchenski to improve to 24-8. Willson allowed three runs on seven hits, while striking out three.

Blake relieved starter Jordan Akin in the third inning after Akin surrendered two unearned runs on three hits, but MSU was able to take advantage of five UCO errors.

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