Rangers Take Two Game Lead in KU Fall World Series

Oct. 26, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. – An offensive explosion started by a pair of Jayhawk freshmen handed the Rangers the 15-6 lopsided victory and a 2-0 lead in the University of Kansas softball team’s fall World Series, Tuesday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark.

After coming from behind to win game one, the Rangers wasted no time in the second game, putting up a five-spot in the top of the first. Freshman third baseman Chanin Naudin highlighted the big inning with her two-run double, which kicked off a 3-for-4 day. The rookie had cranked out five RBI by the end of the afternoon.

Junior shortstop Mariah Montgomery kept her hot streak going from game one when her RBI single in the bottom of the first started chipping away at the Rangers’ lead, 5-1.

A four-run third, however, put the Rangers out of reach. Freshman catcher Lexi Bryant drilled a double before senior outfielder Kelsey Alsdorf connected on a double of her own, driving in two. Naudin struck again later in the inning with a two-run bomb.

Facing a hefty deficit, the Cardinals fought back with two more runs in the bottom of the fourth behind a Montgomery sac fly and freshman first baseman Maddie Stein’s RBI double. The Cardinals would chalk up two more in the following inning, but it wouldn’t be enough to fend off the surging Rangers.

Bryant’s second double of the afternoon ended the game in a run rule. For the second-straight game, freshman Alicia Pille earned the victory. She allowed one earned run and struck out three in her three innings.

The series continues with game three. First pitch is slated for Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Notables:
Rangers
Elsa Moyer: 3-3, 2R, 2 RBI
Maggie Hull: 2-4, R, RBI
Chanin Naudin: 3-4, 2R, 5 RBI, 2B, HR
Lexi Bryant: 3-3, 2 RBI, 2 2B

Cardinals
Cassen Salamone: 2-5, 3R
Maddie Stein: 2-5, 2 2B
Mariah Montgomery: 2-3, 3 RBI