#StateToTheShow: Women’s Pro Fastpitch Week 5
July 19, 2023 | Softball
STARKVILLE – It was a short week in Women's Pro Fastpitch, with teams playing just one series each. Fa Leilua and Chloe Malau'ulu's strong performances lifted the Oklahoma City Spark back into first place against the second-place Texas Smoke.
The Spark lost the series opener in Austin, Texas, as Leilua provided the team's only runs with a two-RBI double into left field in the top of the first. A four-run bottom of the first gave the Smoke a lead they would not surrender, going on to a 5-2 victory.
The following day, Malau'ulu helped snap the Spark's losing streak and even the series that they would eventually take on the road. In the top of the sixth, she broke open a scoreless ballgame with a two-run double down the left field line, scoring Leilua along the way. Leilua finished the 2-0 ballgame with a pair of singles and a walk, reaching base in every plate appearance.
In the series finale, both former Bulldogs made impact plays as the Spark claimed a 4-1 victory. Leilua started it off with a stolen base in the top of the first. In the bottom of the second, Malau'ulu robbed a would-be two-run homer. Then in the third with Malau'ulu on base, Leilua hit a three-run homer that would be the difference in the game.
Annie Willis did not pitch for the Smash It Sports Vipers in their series with the USSSA Pride. The Vipers now hit the road in Week 6. They will play the Smoke in Austin on July 20-22 while the Spark meets the Pride in Peoria, Illinois. To close the week, the Vipers travel to Oklahoma City for three games on July 24-26.
Season: 20 G, 19 GS, 12-for-43, 8 R, 2 2B, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 14 K, 12 BB, 4 HBP, SB, .279 AVG, .467 OBP, .674 SLG, 1.141 OPS
Season: 19 G, 14 GS, 14-for-42, 8 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 K, BB, 2 SB, .333 AVG, .364 OBP, .524 SLG, .887 OPS
Season: 7 APP, 2 GS, 4.67 ERA, 12.0 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 9 K, 8 BB
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
The Spark lost the series opener in Austin, Texas, as Leilua provided the team's only runs with a two-RBI double into left field in the top of the first. A four-run bottom of the first gave the Smoke a lead they would not surrender, going on to a 5-2 victory.
The following day, Malau'ulu helped snap the Spark's losing streak and even the series that they would eventually take on the road. In the top of the sixth, she broke open a scoreless ballgame with a two-run double down the left field line, scoring Leilua along the way. Leilua finished the 2-0 ballgame with a pair of singles and a walk, reaching base in every plate appearance.
The @okcityspark break the 0-0 game in the ⬆️6 on a 2-out, 2-RBI double by @chloeetaliaa!⚡️ pic.twitter.com/drJ56av5NI
— Women's Professional Fastpitch (@wprofastpitch) July 16, 2023
In the series finale, both former Bulldogs made impact plays as the Spark claimed a 4-1 victory. Leilua started it off with a stolen base in the top of the first. In the bottom of the second, Malau'ulu robbed a would-be two-run homer. Then in the third with Malau'ulu on base, Leilua hit a three-run homer that would be the difference in the game.
Big catch by @chloeetaliaa that will take us to the 3rd! pic.twitter.com/iNQWS1Lh1q
— OKC Spark Softball (@okcityspark) July 16, 2023
Annie Willis did not pitch for the Smash It Sports Vipers in their series with the USSSA Pride. The Vipers now hit the road in Week 6. They will play the Smoke in Austin on July 20-22 while the Spark meets the Pride in Peoria, Illinois. To close the week, the Vipers travel to Oklahoma City for three games on July 24-26.
Fa👏Leilua👏hits👏home👏runs @leilua18 | @okcityspark pic.twitter.com/7EldUYykKx
— Women's Professional Fastpitch (@wprofastpitch) July 16, 2023
Bulldog Alumni in WPF
Fa Leilua – Oklahoma City Spark
This Week: 3 G, 3 GS, 4-for-7, 2 R, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 2 K, 2 BB, SBSeason: 20 G, 19 GS, 12-for-43, 8 R, 2 2B, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 14 K, 12 BB, 4 HBP, SB, .279 AVG, .467 OBP, .674 SLG, 1.141 OPS
- Leading the league in home runs, RBIs, OPS and walks
- Tied for fourth in WPF in on-base percentage and third in walks
Chloe Malau'ulu – Oklahoma City Spark
This Week: 3 G, 3 GS, 2-for-9, R, 2B, 2 RBI, KSeason: 19 G, 14 GS, 14-for-42, 8 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 7 K, BB, 2 SB, .333 AVG, .364 OBP, .524 SLG, .887 OPS
- If she qualified, her batting average would rank fifth in the league and her OPS would rank ninth
Annie Willis – Smash It Sports Vipers
This Week: DNP - InjuredSeason: 7 APP, 2 GS, 4.67 ERA, 12.0 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 9 K, 8 BB
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
Players Mentioned
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