OKC Spark Powers Past Florida Vibe 12-3 in Loveland
A Warm Colorado Clash
Monday in Loveland, Colorado brought perfect softball weather as the Florida Vibe faced the hot Oklahoma City Spark in the TC Colorado Pro Cup. At 81 degrees, it was a much-welcomed change for two teams used to the heat. This matchup featured big bats, key defensive plays, and another strong showing from the unbeaten Spark.
Spark Jumps Out Early
Estelle Czech got the start in the circle for the Vibe, and the Spark wasted no time applying pressure. Riley Boone opened with a single and moved to third on an Alyssa Brito ground-rule double. Kinzie Hansen followed with a one-out RBI to make it 1-0 Spark.
With a loaded lineup that includes multiple USA Women’s National Team players, OKC is always dangerous. Czech issued a walk to Haley Lee to load the bases, and after a quick visit from Vibe Head Coach Dot Richardson, she struck out Sydney Sherrill. But the trouble wasn’t over.
Rachel Becker dropped a 2RBI single into left to bring in Brito and Hansen. Alynah Torres followed with a 2RBI single of her own, slicing one through the 5-6 hole. Just like that, the Spark were up 5-0 in the top of the first.
Czech couldn’t find her rhythm, and the Spark made sure to capitalize on every mistake.
Vibe Answers Back
Amber Fiser took the ball for OKC in the bottom half, and while the Vibe came out swinging, it was just a chip at the lead. Carmyn Greenwood and Rachel Roupe delivered back-to-back singles, and Taylor Pleasants drove in Greenwood with an RBI single to right.
After Roupe moved to third on a fielder’s choice, Sarah Mosley brought her home with another fielder’s choice RBI. The Vibe cut the deficit to 5-2 after one.
Hansen, Alo Keep the Spark Hot
Czech returned in the second and retired two quick batters, including a strikeout of Brito. But after walking Jocelyn Alo, Kinzie Hansen crushed a two-run homer to right to make it 7-2.
In the third, after KK Madrey and Brito reached base, Alo delivered again, this time with a 2RBI triple to push the lead to 9-2.
Pleasants would score again for the Vibe in the bottom of the third after a Jillian Celis single, but that would be the final run the Vibe could muster. OKC led 9-3 after three.
Sherrill and Brito Seal It
Sydney Sherrill launched a solo shot in the fourth and had a diving defensive play earlier in the game. She finished 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs and one of her best games of the short season.
After Fiser retired the side in order in the fourth, Brito hit a solo home run in the fifth and then Sydney Sherrill tacked on an RBI double. That pushed the Spark into run-rule territory with a commanding 12-3 lead.
Brito had a stellar day at the plate as well, finishing 2-for-3 with a homer, three runs scored, and an RBI.
Spark Moves to 5-0
Meghan Golden came in to close things out in the bottom of the fifth, relieving Fiser and holding the Vibe scoreless.
This game was another reminder of what makes Oklahoma City so dangerous; top-to-bottom hitting, tough pitching, and sharp defense. The Spark moved to 5-0 on the season and continue to look like the team to beat in the TC Colorado Pro Cup.
Featured Image Credit: Oklahoma City Spark
