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In what is by far the toughest portion of their schedule, KU softball has dropped five in a row against nationally-ranked conference foes Oklahoma and Baylor. The 'Hawks managed to take one game vs the Sooners last weekend, but the Bears came into Lawrence and handled the Jayhawks.
Friday, May 1 - #16 Baylor 4, @ Kansas 2
Each squad scored twice in the first inning, but the Bears were able to scratch single runs across in the second and seventh innings to put away KU in the series opener. SP Alicia Pille (7.0 IP, 11 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K) went the distance for KU, working around 15 Baylor baserunners on the evening. Kansas was led offensively by DH Daniella Chavez (1/4, R, 2 RBI, HR).
Saturday, May 2 - #16 Baylor 6, @ Kansas 1
Baylor scored early and often in this one, putting up a pair of runs in each of the first, second, and fourth innings. SP Monique Wesley (1.0 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2K) did not record an out in the second inning. Sophia Templin (6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K) held the Bears in check the rest of the way, allowing only a pair of runs over the final six innings. The usually reliable KU offense was held in check again, however. The Jayhawks were led offensively by C Jesse Roane (2/3, RBI).
Sunday, May 3 - #16 Baylor 7, @ Kansas 0
In the home finale of the 2015 season, four KU seniors - P Beth Wilson, P Alicia Pille, IF Chanin Naudin, IF Maddie Stein - played their last home game for the University of Kansas. The Jayhawks hung tough with Baylor for six-plus innings, but the Bears scored five runs with two outs in the seventh to dash any dreams of a come-from-behind upset bid in the series finale. The Jayhawks were stymied once again by Baylor pitching, registering only two hits on the afternoon.
Up Next
The Jayhawks (35-13, 5-10) will play their final regular-season series in Ames against Iowa State (26-25, 3-12), after which they will look forward to the Big 12 Softball Tournament and the NCAA Softball Tournament. The Jayhawks need only one win next weekend against the Cyclones to clinch the #5 spot in the final Big 12 standings. Even with a sweep, KU cannot catch Texas Tech for fourth place.
As usual, you can catch KU softball on the Jayhawk Radio Network or follow along at KUAthletics.com.