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The KU softballers continue their strong season, giving #5 Oklahoma all they wanted in two of the three games after picking up a midweek victory.
Wednesday, April 22 - @ Kansas 6, SIU-Edwardsville 4
Not that the Jayhawks need a resume builder, but SIU-E is a Top-40 RPI team, and KU held them at bay with a four-run third inning sandwiched by single runs in the second and fourth innings. Bryn Houlton (5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 2 K) got the start and kept SIU-E to four runs despite having runners on base all day. KU was led offensively by LF Shannon McGinley (2/3, 2 R, RBI, BB) and SS Chaley Brickey (1/3, R, RBI, BB, HR).
Friday, April 24 - @ Kansas 4, #5 Oklahoma 2, 8 innings
The Jayhawks didn't get many hits - they only had three as a team on the night - but the ones they did get were huge. SS Chaley Brickey (2/3, 2 R, RBI, BB, HR) had a nice night, but it was the extra-inning walk-off home run by DH Daniella Chavez (1/4, R, 2 RBI, HR) that was the highlight. Alicia Pille (6.0 IP, 6 H, R, 5 BB, 5 K) did not get the start, but was able to get herself out of jams for six strong innings.
Saturday, April 25 - #5 Oklahoma 13, @ Kansas 0, 5 innings
Once again Jayhawk bats were silenced by Sooner pitching, and there were no home runs to bail out the Jayhawks as they got run-ruled in five innings. Three Jayhawk pitchers were battered by Oklahoma batters. KU pitchers allowed 10 hits while walking 13(!) OU batters.
Sunday, April 26 - #5 Oklahoma 7, @ Kansas 4
The Jayhawks put the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the 7th inning with no outs, but could not complete the rally as OU took the series. The Jayhawks were once again held in check offensively, recording only five hits, but still took OU to the brink in the final inning. The 'Hawks were led offensively by 1B Maddie Stein (2/3, RBI, BB). SP Alicia Pille (7.0 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 5 BB, 4 K) went the distance for KU.
Said coach Megan Smith, "Today I thought we fought, which is something we challenged them on after yesterday. Yesterday we had no fight at all, but today we fought the entire game and gave ourselves a chance to win. Against a team like Oklahoma, that's all you can ask for."
Up Next
The Jayhawks (35-10, 5-7) host the #16 Baylor Bears (34-12, 8-4) next weekend in a three game set. As usual, you can catch KU softball on the Jayhawk Radio Network or follow along at KUAthletics.com. The matchup on Saturday, currently scheduled for 2 PM, will be available on the Jayhawk Television Network and ESPN3 (blackout conditions may apply).