NORMAN — Oklahoma’s onslaught began innocently enough. Sydney Romero laid down a leadoff bunt and beat the throw to first.
The next hits were louder. The Sooners smashed three 2-run home runs to beat Maryland-Baltimore County 12-0 Friday night in their NCAA Tournament opener.
Coach Patty Gasso’s squad scored in every inning while her pitchers were perfect. Left-hander Giselle Juarez started the game, striking out six of the nine batters she faced. Mariah Lopez and Shannon Saile handled the final two frames without allowing a base runner. Twelve of the 15 UMBC batters who walked to the plate returned to the dugout with a strikeout.