CHATTANOOGA, TN - The Oklahoma City Spark have officially completed their first games of the 2024 season on the road in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The new home of the Chattanooga Steam, Frost Stadium, hosted the Coca-Cola Scenic City Pro Cup in round robin fashion. The Spark played one game each day from Wednesday, June 19 through Saturday, June 22 in Tennessee. Some new faces on the Spark roster made their pro debut: Oklahoma Sooners Rylie Boone, Jayda Coleman, and Kinzie Hansen. Other players making their Spark debut were pitcher Amber Fiser (Minnesota), catcher Dejah Mulipola (Arizona), and infielder Rachel Becker (Oklahoma State). The Spark went 3-1 through the week, finishing with the best record of all four teams at the Pro Cup.
Game Recap 1: OKC Spark vs. New York Rise - June 19
The OKC Spark kicked off their season with an exciting opener against the New York Rise during their inaugural season at Frost Stadium. Amber Fiser took the mound and, despite conceding a 2-run homer in the first inning, quickly regained her form with back-to-back strikeouts. Pro debuts from Rylie Boone and Kinzie Hansen added to the anticipation, with Boone securing her first pro hit with a perfectly placed bunt. The Spark's first run of the season came in the third inning when Rylee Bayless walked and was eventually driven home by Rachel Becker's fielder's choice. Tied at 2-2 in the fifth, Michelle Moultrie brought in Chloe Malau'ulu, and a deep sacrifice fly by Becker gave the Spark a 3-2 lead. However, the Rise countered with two runs, putting them ahead 4-3. In the sixth, Donnie Gobourne relieved Fiser, who had notched 8 strikeouts. Gobourne struck out four in her two innings, and Dejah Mulipola's 2-run homer in the seventh sealed a 5-4 victory. It was a true team win to start the 2024 season.
Game Recap 2: OKC Spark vs. Florida Vibe - June 20
The Spark faced the Florida Vibe, with Keely Rochard starting on the mound. The Vibe jumped ahead quickly, scoring a run in the first and five more in the second. Despite this, Rochard managed to record two strikeouts in the second inning. The Spark's comeback began in the fourth, sparked by Dejah Mulipola's solo home run. Rylie Boone and Sydney Sherrill added to the rally, bringing the score to 3-6. In the fifth, the Spark capitalized on Vibe errors and key hits by Boone and Sherrill, scoring five more runs to take an 8-6 lead. Amber Fiser came in as a reliever, shutting down the Vibe with four strikeouts and no runs to secure the dramatic win.
Game Recap 3: OKC Spark vs. Chattanooga Steam - June 21
Facing the Chattanooga Steam, the Spark's lineup remained unchanged with Keely Rochard once again starting in the circle. Rochard delivered a stellar performance, allowing no hits or walks through the first three innings with four strikeouts. The Spark took the lead in the fourth, thanks to a single by Rylie Boone and a 2-run homer by Sydney Sherrill. However, the Steam fought back, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 4-2 lead. Donnie Gobourne entered in relief in the fifth and pitched effectively, striking out four and allowing only one hit. The Spark's offense ignited in the seventh inning, with Rylee Bayless and Rachel Becker getting on base, followed by a double from Michelle Moultrie to tie the game at four. And finally, in true Kinzie Hansen fashion, she blasts her first ever pro hit - a 3-run home run - over the center field wall for the lead in the seventh inning. Donnie Gobourne closed out the bottom of the inning with another two strikeouts to secure the 8-4 win over the Steam.
Game Recap 4: OKC Spark vs. New York Rise - June 22 (Championship Game)
In the Championship game of the Scenic City Pro Cup, the Spark faced the New York Rise again. Former Oklahoma Sooner Jayda Coleman made her pro debut, playing at first base and batting sixth in the lineup. Unfortunately, the Spark couldn't maintain their winning streak, as the Rise dominated with a 9-1 victory. The Rise tallied 12 hits against all three Spark pitchers, while the Spark's offense struggled to get going.
Despite the Championship loss, the Spark looks forward to their upcoming home games at Devon Park, starting June 27 against Great Britain, featuring OU pitcher Paytn Monticelli. The team is excited for another historic and memorable summer in OKC. Join us for "Spark The Park" night on Thursday and make sure to wear Spark blue! Opening weekend is set to feature exciting festivities, including flyovers, special appearances by local celebrities, and a spectacular drone show!
Tickets for all home games are on sale at okcspark.com/tickets. For more announcements and behind the scenes content, follow us on social media, @okcityspark