Sooners Split Series With 13-4 Win
April 29, 2007
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Third-ranked <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Oklahoma used 14 hits to defeat Kansas 13-4 in six innings Sunday to split the Big 12 Conference series. The Jayhawks (32-19-1, 7-9 Big 12) took game one from the Sooners, but could not contain the high-powered Oklahoma offense Sunday in front of a near-capacity crowd of 735 fans at Arrocha Ballpark. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The Sooners (49-7, 14-4 Big 12) scored runs in four innings including six in the third to take an 8-0 lead.
Kansas used three different pitchers, starting with senior ace Kassie Humphreys (18-11), who gave up seven runs on seven hits in two and one-third inning. Sophomore Valerie George pitched three innings of relief, striking out four, walking two and allowing five hits. Freshman Sarah Vertelka finished the contest, allowing two hits and walking one in two-thirds of an inning.
The Jayhawks totaled eight hits in the loss, the most since knocking out nine against OklahomaState on March 24. Sophomore Val Chapple went 2-for-2 and drew a walk, while freshman Amanda Jobe and sophomore Elle Pottorf each hit a home run. Sophomore Dougie McCaulley and junior Betsy Wilson each picked up an RBI single.
After Saturday’s losing effort, OU pitcher Lauren Eckermann (31-3) struck out seven, gave up five hits, and two earned runs in five innings for the victory Sunday. D.J. Mathis entered the game in the fifth inning and the Jayhawks notched three hits and two earned runs, forcing Eckermann to re-enter the game in the sixth.
After managing just two hits in Saturday’s game, the Sooner offense exploded for 13 runs. Four different Oklahoma players blasted home runs, including Jamie Fox, who led the Sooner offense with a 3-for-4 and three RBI day.
In a pre-game ceremony, KU honored seniors Humphreys and Nicole Washburn, who made their final home appearance.
KU will next be in action at WichitaState on Wednesday, May 2 for an evening double-header starting at 5 p.m.
-KU-
