Jayhawks Stay Red-Hot With Victories Over Nebraska, Creighton
April 26, 2007
OMAHA, Neb. –
Kansas (31-18-1, 6-8 Big 12) swept a day-night road doubleheader Thursday, defeating Nebraska (34-16, 7-7 Big 12) and Creighton (32-11-1), 5-3 and 2-1, respectively. Senior Kassie Humphreys figured in the decision in both Kansas victories and had a key two-run hit against the Cornhuskers to give the Jayhawks a four-game winning streak–all victories on the road.
Game One- KU 5 Nebraska 3
Against Nebraska, Humphreys tossed a three-hitter and helped her cause with a two-run single in a four-run sixth inning to lead the Jayhawks over Nebraska, 5-3. Humphreys improved to 16-10 on the season with the victory.
Sophomore Dougie McCaulley broke up Ashley DeBuhr’s no-hit bid to lead off the sixth with a piercing single to left-center. Nicole Washburn then reached on a fielder’s choice when the NU first baseman unsuccessfully attempted to cut off McCaulley at second.
Freshman Amanda Jobe walked to load the bases and sophomore Stevie Cristoso knocked in the first Kansas run of the game and reached on an error by the Cornhusker first baseman. Sophomore Elle Pottorf then hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield to put the Jayhawks ahead, 2-1, and setup Humphrey’s single.
The Jayhawks added a run in the seventh when senior Nicole Washburn laced a two-out single into centerfield to score sophomore Val Chapple from second after she had reached on a single to lead off the inning.
Humphreys battled her way to the victory, striking out four while walking eight. Humphreys pitched a no-hitter through seven and two-thirds innings. The Huskers mounted a two-out rally, scoring three runs on three hits in the stanza, but fell short to give Kansas the important conference victory.
Game Two- KU 2 Creighton 1
In the night game, the Jayhawks traveled to Omaha, where they defeated Creighton 2-1. The Jayhawks scored two runs in the second inning and played strong team defense to preserve the victory.
In the second inning against the Bluejays, Kansas strung together several singles to score two runs and take back the lead. Cristoso lead the inning off with a single and Pottorf followed suit. A sacrifice bunt by freshman Sara Ramirez advanced the runners and a Chapple single to right field scored Cristoso. Freshman Ally Stanton drove in the other run with a fielder’s choice.
Sophomore Valerie George started the game against Creighton, lasting 3.1 innings, until she was relieved by Humphreys after surrendering back-to-back singles. Although she walked a batter to load the bases, Humphreys escaped the jam by getting Creighton’s Michelle Koch to ground out to third base to end the inning. She moved to 17-10 on the year with the victory.
Throughout the game, Kansas flashed some impressive leather. Ramirez made an over-the-shoulder catch and recorded the final out of the game on a diving catch behind the pitching circle while senior first baseman Nicole Washburn dug several throws out of the dirt to record several important outs.
The Jayhawks return to the diamond Saturday, April 28 when they host Big 12 rival Oklahoma. First pitch from Arrocha Ballpark is scheduled for 2 p.m.
