Facing elimination, Oklahoma erupted for seven runs in the third inning, highlighted by a pinch-hit, three-run homer from Lexi McDaniel, to defeat Mississippi State 7-1 on Saturday at Love's Field in Oklahoma in the NCAA softball tournament's Norman Super Regional.

The victory forces a deciding Game 3 for a spot in the Women's College World Series.

McDaniel's blast was the centerpiece of an explosive third inning that saw the Sooners bat around. The rally began when Kai Minor doubled and scored on an RBI single by Kendall Wells. Later, with the bases loaded, Gabbie Garcia drew a walk to force in a run, and Isabela Emerling followed with an RBI groundout to make it 3-0. A passed ball allowed another run to score before McDaniel stepped to the plate and delivered the decisive blow. Minor finished the day 2-for-4, and Garcia went 1-for-3.

Oklahoma pitcher Audrey Lowry tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits, walking two and striking out two.

Mississippi State avoided the shutout in the sixth inning. After loading the bases with two outs on singles from Morgan Stiles, Nadia Barbary and Xiane Romero, Kinley Keller drew a walk to bring home the Bulldogs' only run. Stiles, Barbary, Romero, Morgan Bernardini and Paige Ernstes each recorded one hit.

Bulldogs starter Peja Goold pitched 2⅔ innings, allowing five earned runs and five walks. Alyssa Faircloth threw the final 4⅓ innings in relief, surrendering two earned runs on three hits, including McDaniel's home run.

Up next: Oklahoma and Mississippi State face off at Love's Field in Oklahoma on Sunday in Game 3 of the Norman Super Regional. 

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