Jayhawks Defeat Panthers In 10 Innings
March 9, 2008
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The <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Kansas softball team defeated Pittsburgh, 4-3, in 10 innings Sunday at Arrocha Ballpark. A tenth inning go-ahead, two-run home run by sophomore Amanda Jobe gave the Jayhawks’ (17-5) the win over the Panthers (9-7).
Both teams had scoring opportunities in the 5th inning, but failed to capitalize after loading the bases. In the top of the fifth, the Jayhawks loaded the bases with three straight singles but came up empty. In the bottom half of the inning, Pittsburgh loaded the bases with two outs before KU pitcher Valerie George struck out the final batter to escape with no damage.
In the bottom of the sixth, Pittsburgh again threatened to score after two batters were hit by a pitch to reach base. George then proceeded to strike out the next two batters to end the inning.
Kansas scored the first run of the game in the top of the 7th. With one out, junior Stevie Crisosto reached base with a single up the middle. Two batters later, freshman Kolby Fesmire drove in the go-ahead run with a triple to deep right field. The three-base hit was the first of the season for the Jayhawks.
Pittsburgh came right back and tied the game in the bottom of the 7th. After an infield single by Reba Tutt, Pittsburgh catcher Sam Card drove in the tying run with a two-out single.
The Jayhawks began the top of the eighth with a runner on second because of the international tie-break rule. With two outs, junior Dougie McCaulley scored on an error by Panther shortstop Jessica Dignon. Pittsburgh was able to tie the game, 2-2, in the bottom half of the inning as Kayla Zinger singled to right field.
Kansas regained the lead in the top of the tenth when Amanda Jobe launched a two-run homer over the left field fence. The home run was the fifth of the year for Jobe. The Panthers were able to score one run in their half of the tenth, but the Jayhawks held on for the 4-3 vicory after George struck out the final batter to end the game.
The Jayhawks return to action later today as they take on IndianaState at approximately 4:45 p.m. at Arrocha Ballpark.
