Texas Tech takes series finale over Kansas, 1-0
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas softball was edged by Texas Tech, 1-0, in the finale of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.
The Red Raiders (25-24, 4-14 Big 12) sweep the series as the Jayhawks fall to 25-24 overall and 0-15 during league play.
Junior pitcher Andie Formby (11-10) allowed just one run with five strikeouts in her 14th complete-game outing of the season. KU’s defense was unrelenting as well, helping hold eight Texas Tech runners on base with a string of web gems to keep KU’s offense within reach.
“We are excited for Andie, she had a great game today,” Kansas head coach Megan Smith said of her starting pitcher. “Andie pitched really well and our defense had her back with some stellar plays. There were a handful of great plays from Brittany Jackson in centerfield and a double play from Erin McGinley in left field which you don’t see very often.”
KU’s offense didn’t come through in the way that pitching and defense did on Sunday as Texas Tech pitcher Kassidy Scott (9-9) held the Jayhawks to two hits in a complete-game shutout to secure the Red Raiders’ spot in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship.
After Formby retired Tech in order in the top of the first by forcing three groundouts, senior infielder Amanda Organ recorded the first hit of the game on a single up the middle in the bottom half of the scoreless frame.
The Red Raiders’ first and only run of the day came in the second inning. TTU’s Karli Hamilton led off the inning with a hard-hit single to first base and later scored on an RBI double down the left field line by Breanna Russell.
McGinley turned an impressive double play in the top of the fifth, catching a line drive to left field and throwing it all the way to Becki Monaghan at first base to get the lead runner out before she tagged-up. Freshman Shelby Gayre flashed the leather, too, snagging a sharp line drive at shortstop to end the inning.
On the offensive side, McGinley hit a double up the middle in the bottom of the sixth to become KU’s first runner in scoring position of the afternoon, but two groundouts later Kansas could not advance her home.
Formby ended her complete-game in the circle by stranding two Red Raiders on base in the seventh inning thanks to a diving catch in centerfield by Jackson, while ending the inning with her fifth strikeout of the day.
Texas Tech’s defense proved hard to penetrate as well in the bottom of the seventh. Senior Harli Ridling led off the inning with a well-place blooper to right field, only to be caught by a Texas Tech’s Hamilton who dove head first to earn the first out in the seventh. Senior Annie Mehringer and sophomore Becki Monaghan both hit sharp line-outs to the middle infield for the final outs of the day.
UP NEXT
Kansas concludes the regular season next weekend with a three-game series against Iowa State, May 4-6.
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