OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - For the first time in softball history, the top professional softball organizations met for a two-game series at the Softball Capital of the World, Devon Park. The matchups between the Oklahoma City Spark and Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball were a historic moment for professional female sports, uniting both sides of the pro softball world at the future home of 2028 Olympic Softball. OKC's stellar performances showcased their talent and determination, making for an unforgettable series.
Game 1: July 12, 2024
The OKC Spark kicked off their historic series against Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball with a dominant performance on Friday evening for Native American Heritage Night. Amber Fiser took the circle and set the tone with a quick three up, three down inning, igniting the Spark's momentum. In the bottom of the first, Jayda Coleman launched a solo home run, putting OKC on the board early. Haley Lee’s walk, Kinzie Hansen’s single, and Sydney Sherrill’s walk loaded the bases for Yvonne Whaley, who delivered a clutch 2-RBI single to center field, extending the lead.
The Spark kept the pressure on in the bottom of the third, with Lee leading off with a single and Hansen doubling to drive her in, making it 4-0. Fiser was stellar, allowing only four hits and striking out five. Donnie Gobourne came in to secure the win, as the Spark shut down AU for a convincing victory.
Game 2: July 13, 2024
Saturday’s "Youth Night" brought a great crowd, with Keilani Ricketts starting in the circle for the OKC Spark. The Spark’s lineup, featuring four former Sooners at the top, wasted no time. Jayda Coleman and Rylie Boone opened with back-to-back singles, and Haley Lee’s fielder’s choice set the stage for Kinzie Hansen, whose sacrifice fly scored Coleman. AU answered with two runs in the top of the third, but the Spark quickly regained control in the bottom half. Coleman and Boone again led off with hits, and Lee drove in Coleman. Sydney Sherrill’s play brought Boone home, and Yvonne Whaley’s RBI single scored Rylee Bayless, giving the Spark a 4-2 lead.
Ricketts kept AU at bay with a three up, three down fourth inning. Chloe Malau’ulu’s walk and Coleman’s RBI in the bottom of the fourth increased the run differential to three. Another Malau’ulu walk in the fifth led to a run off Alynah Torres’s hit, sealing a 6-2 victory. Alex Storako and Donnie Gobourne each pitched a closing inning, with both Ricketts and Gobourne striking out three in the series finale. The Spark are currently riding an eight-game win streak.
The OKC Spark now heads to Long Island, NY to visit the home of the New York Rise for the only time this season. They will play a three-game series at Hofstra University. The two teams have faced off five times this summer, with the Spark leading the charge 4-1. Most recently, the Spark won 3-2, 7-0, and 3-0 during their three-game series in Oklahoma City. Click here for instructions on how to watch Spark away games.
Upcoming Game Schedule:
Spark @ Rise: Monday, July 15 @ 6 pm CT
Spark @ Rise: Tuesday, July 16 @ 6 pm CT
Spark @ Rise: Wednesday, July 17 @ 6 pm CT
Spark vs. Vibe: Saturday, July 20 @ 2 & 5 pm CT - Tickets available at okcspark.com/tickets
Spark vs. Vibe: Sunday, July 21 @ 12 pm CT - Tickets available at okcspark.com/tickets
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