OKLAHOMA CITY – Reese Atwood delivered a two-run single in the sixth while Texas Tech was attempting to intentionally walk her, lifting Texas to a 2-1 win over NiJaree Canady and the Red Raiders in Game 1 of the Women’s College World Series Championship Series on Wednesday night.
The Longhorns (55-11) will look to win their first-ever national title when the teams square off again in Game 2 Thursday while Texas Tech (53-13) will look to force a winner-take-all Game 3.
Canady was dominant through two outs in the sixth, allowing just one hit and striking out seven.
But after Canady struck out the first two batters in the inning, Kayden Henry singled to left to ignite a rally.
Henry stole second, Mia Scott followed with an infield single and stole second herself.
Texas Tech then tried to intentionally walk Atwood to put the force on all around.
Canady, who hadn’t intentionally walked a hitter this season, threw three balls.
But on the fourth pitch, she left the ball within reach of Atwood, who drove it into left field to score the tying and go-ahead runs.
Before Atwood’s hit, the only run of the game came on a controversial call in the fifth.
Logan Halleman looked like she was thrown out stealing easily, but after review, Texas shortstop Leighann Goode was called for obstruction.
With two outs, Mihyia Davis delivered a single to right center to score Halleman.
Teagan Kavan went the distance for the Longhorns, holding Texas Tech to just three hits and walking one.
Canady had won 16 consecutive decisions.
–Field Level Media
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