In a pulse-pounding seventh-inning drama, Gabby Castillo’s walk-off walk seals Oklahoma State’s thrilling 2-1 triumph over UCF, knotting the series
STILLWATER, Okla. — The No. 19 Oklahoma State Cowgirls delivered a gritty performance on Saturday afternoon, securing a 2-1 walk-off victory over No. 24 UCF at Cowgirl Stadium to even the Big 12 series at 1-1.
In a low-scoring pitcher’s duel that came down to the wire, OSU improved to 17-6 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while UCF dropped to 21-5 and 1-1 in the Big 12.
The game remained scoreless through four innings as both starters, OSU’s Ruby Meylan and UCF’s Ava Stuewe, dominated.
The Cowgirls broke the deadlock in the bottom of the fifth when Aubrey Jones crossed the plate on a fielding error by UCF catcher Beth Damon. With the bases loaded and one out, Rosie Davis grounded to Stuewe, who threw home, but the ball glanced off Damon’s glove, allowing Jones to score the game’s first run.
UCF responded in the top of the sixth, tying the game at 1-1 on Damon’s eighth home run of the season, a solo shot over the left-field fence. The Knights threatened again in the seventh, putting speedy outfielder Samantha Rey on second with one out. However, Meylan induced a flyout from Coco Jaimes and struck out Kendall Yarnell to escape the jam and keep the game knotted.
The drama peaked in the bottom of the seventh. With two outs and no one on base, Davis sparked the rally with a single to right field. Karli Godwin followed with a four-pitch walk, and Amanda Hasler battled through a 10-pitch at-bat to draw another walk, loading the bases. UCF turned to ace reliever Isabella Vega, but Vega issued a four-pitch walk to Gabby Castillo, forcing in Davis for the game-winning run. The walk-off walk marked Castillo’s first RBI of the game and sealed the victory for OSU.
Meylan was the star for the Cowgirls, earning her seventh win (7-4) with her fifth complete game of the season. The senior right-hander allowed just one run on six hits, stranding eight Knights on base while navigating multiple scoring threats. Her calm under pressure was key, as she limited UCF’s opportunities despite the Knights’ six hits and two errors by OSU.
Stuewe took the loss for UCF (4-1), despite a solid outing. The sophomore pitched 6 2/3 innings, striking out five and allowing four hits. Damon led the Knights offensively with her home run and RBI, while Rey contributed a double and made a highlight-reel diving catch in right-center field in the bottom of the sixth to rob Jones of a potential go-ahead hit.
UCF’s defense was solid overall, but the team left eight runners on base, matching OSU’s total in a contest where every opportunity counted.
For OSU, Davis went 1-for-3 with a run scored, while Castillo’s clutch walk proved decisive. Jones scored once and stole a base, adding to the Cowgirls’ opportunistic base running.
The game featured just 10 combined hits (UCF 6, OSU 4) and four errors (two per team), making this defensive battle.
This win evened the series after UCF’s 4-1 victory in Friday’s opener, setting up a decisive rubber match. The finale is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on Sunday at Cowgirl Stadium.
Oklahoma State is expected to start senior RyLee Crandall (6-1), who took the loss in Friday’s game but has been a reliable No. 2 in the rotation. UCF will likely counter with redshirt sophomore Isabella Vega (6-2), their ace who tossed a complete-game two-hitter in the opener. The winner will claim the series and early momentum in the conference standings.
With both teams boasting strong pitching staffs and potent lineups, Sunday promises another tight battle as the Cowgirls aim to build on this momentum and the Knights look to rebound.