Kansas Comeback Falls Short as Softball Topped by Missouri State
March 24, 2009
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
With the threat of a shortened, run-rule game after four and a half innings looming near, the Kansas softball battled back into the game to put five runs on the board in the fifth inning, but the Jayhawks’ rally came too late as KU lost 13-8 to Missouri State on a windy Tuesday afternoon.
MSU took advantage of four Kansas miscues in the contest. Only four of the Bears’ 13 runs were earned as MSU improved to 13-12 overall, while KU fell to 10-17 on the season.
Six Jayhawks combined for nine hits in the game led by senior Val Chapple and sophomores Liz Kocon and Allie Clark, who all tallied two hits in the contest. Kocon also batted in a team-high three runs, including two from her first home run of the season.
Kansas trailed 12-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth, but the Jayhawks rallied for six hits to score five runs against the Bears and prevent a run-rule. Included in the inning’s six hits was a double by sophomore Kolby Fesmire for her first hit of the season as well as her first RBI.
The Jayhawks added two more runs in the sixth off Kocon’s homer but could not generate anymore offense in the final inning as Missouri State sealed its victory with two strikeouts and fly out to end the game.
All four of KU’s pitchers saw time from the circle. Junior Sarah Vertelka started the first three and a third innings to take the loss, falling to 3-4 from the circle.
Missouri State recorded a KU opponent season-high 14 hits in the contest.
The Jayhawks won’t have much time to rest as they return to the diamond Wednesday for a doubleheader against Creighton. The first game between KU and the Bluejays is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Arrocha Ballpark.
