Big innings help Texas down Kansas, 10-0
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LAWRENCE, Kan. – A pair of big offensive innings helped Texas take the first game of the series over Kansas, 10-0, on Friday night at Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.
The Longhorns (27-20, 5-8 Big 12) scored four or more runs in the second and fifth innings to take a commanding lead in the opening game of the series. Texas’ offense exploded for 13 hits, while Kansas’ (24-24, 3-10 Big 12) bats were silenced after a season-high offensive outing in its last game. The Jayhawks recorded just one hit and two walks.
Despite loading the bases in the top of the first, Texas was able to push only one run across to take an early lead. KU starter Sarah Miller worked around the bases loaded jam and after giving up two hits, she surrendered just one run in the opening frame.
The Longhorns extended their advantage in the next inning after hitting a solo home run over the fence inSophomore Emily Bermelcenterfield. Sophomore outfielder Bekah Alcozer’s sixth long ball of the season gave UT a 2-0 lead. Following the homer, Texas added four more runs in the frame, increasing its lead, 6-0.
Senior hurler Sophia Templin entered the circle in relief in the second inning with two outs. Templin quieted Texas’ bats for three innings, tossing two zeros on the scoreboard before UT had its second big offensive inning of the game.
Junior catcher Harli Ridling doubled down the left field line in the fourth, providing Kansas with its first hit of the ballgame. However, the Jayhawk runner was stranded in scoring position as the fourth frame came to an end.
In the top of the fifth, the Longhorns pushed a run across home plate for the first time since their five-run second inning. Following the RBI single from senior Devon Tunning, Texas drove in three more runs with a RBI double and two-run homer. After a four-run frame, the Longhorns took a 10-0 lead into the bottom half of the fifth.
Freshman infielder Madison Sykes reached base with her second walk of the game in the bottom of the fifth, but once again she was stranded on base as Texas took the first game of the series, 1-0, in five innings.
UP NEXT
The Jayhawks continue their series with Texas on April 28 at Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park. The game will air on the Jayhawk Radio Network.
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