Kansas Shows Flashes in Fall Ball Games Against Wichita State

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas softball competed in a doubleheader against Wichita State Friday night at Arrocha Ballpark for their third and fourth fall ball games.

Game 1

The Jayhawks started strong in the first inning with a double play from junior infielder Hailey Cripe to end Wichita State's inning. Kansas' first at-bat was highlighted by junior outfielder Presley Limbaugh, who recorded a stolen base. Limbaugh led both teams in steals, going two for two in the game.

To start the second inning, senior pitcher Katie Brooks recorded her first strikeout of the game, helping the Jayhawks shut out the Shockers. Junior outfielder Aynslee Linduff blasted a shot deep into right field, making it to second base for the game's first double.

In the third inning, the Jayhawks' defense continued to dominate, holding the Shockers hitless and scoreless through three innings. Kansas got on the scoreboard first, following an RBI single from senior pitcher/utility Olivia Bruno to bring in Limbaugh.

Looking to involve more players, the Jayhawks had Bruno take over pitching duties from Brooks for the fourth and fifth innings. Bruno logged one strikeout and made no errors. In the fourth inning, Cripe reached base with a hit to center field, and Linduff followed in the fifth with a shot to right field.

In the sixth inning, Kansas gave some freshmen a chance to play. Freshman pitcher Kennedy Diggs replaced Bruno on the mound, while freshman outfielders Ava Wallace and Bailey Weber entered the game. Diggs recorded her first strikeout as the Jayhawks held the Shockers to only two hits and no runs.

In the seventh inning, Diggs kept Wichita State off the bases, while freshman infielder Karsen Griggs singled to left field.

Game 2

In the first inning of game two, junior infielder Emma Tatum made a diving catch between second and first base, saving a run for the Jayhawks. Bruno reached base and got into scoring position, while Cripe also reached first base for Kansas in the opening inning.

To start the second inning, junior pitcher Lizzy Ludwig recorded her first strikeout. Kansas ended the inning when freshman catcher Bailey Amezcua threw out a runner attempting to steal second base. In the bottom of the second, sophomore pitcher/utility Anna Soles grounded to the shortstop and outran the throw to first base. Pinch runner, sophomore Maddie Hayes, entered the game. Griggs then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Hayes to third base, before an RBI single from Bruno brought her home, giving Kansas their first run.

The Jayhawks kept up their momentum in the third and fourth innings, allowing only one hit and no runs in the third. Diggs returned to the mound in the fourth and helped shut out the Shockers for the third consecutive inning, recording a strikeout. After Griggs was walked, Linduff singled with a line drive to short before the inning ended.

In the fifth inning, Soles took the mound for the first time in the game. Cripe ended Wichita State's inning with a diving grab in the infield. In the bottom of the inning, Bruno hit a grounded double down the left field line and later stole third base on a wild pitch.

Freshman pitcher Kaelee Washington took over to close the game for the Jayhawks. She kept Wichita State off the bases in the sixth, recording her first strikeout to end the inning. In the seventh, Flanagan made a catch in the infield to save a run for Kansas. Sophomore infielder Kadence Stafford started the seventh with a deep shot to left field, earning herself a double.

What's Next

Kansas softball will host Baker University and the University of Central Missouri at Arrocha Ballpark on Saturday, October 5, for their second fall ball doubleheader

University of Kansas Athletics