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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015
PAGE 5B
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MISSY MINEAR/KANSAN
Freshman shortstop Matt McLaughlin swings through a ball while at bat Wednesday afternoon against New Mexico. The Jayhawks won 10-5 at Hoglund Ballpark. Last week, McLaughlin won Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
Matt McLaughlin holds on to hitting streak
EVAN RIGGS
@EvanRiggs15
After snagging the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award last week, freshman Matt McLaughlin continued his hot streak against the New Mexico Lobos (16-15). McLaughlin went 4-of-9. (.444) from the plate with four RBIs and three runs scored in the two games, despite only managing one hit in the first game.
However, McLaughlin went off in the second game, batting a scorching 3-of-4 with three RBIs.
"I felt good, I took a 1-for-5 last night but I felt like I saw the ball well," McLaughlin said. "I knew that with how well I've been seeing the ball I was going to have a good day at the plate."
Like any freshman, McLaughlin has had his share of ups and downs this season. Since conference play began, however, his play has taken
off. He's currently riding a 10-game hitting streak, the longest active streak on the team, and on the season he is hitting .330 with 17 RBIs.
However, when things weren't going as well earlier in the season, Mclaughlin said seeing his name in the lineup was a huge confidence booster.
"Luckily for me, I've had the chance to play a lot as a freshman," McLaughlin said. "You've got to pay your respects to Coach for putting me in the lineup."
The freshman from San Jose, Calif., was expected to be a heavy contributor this season, but he has exceeded the expectations of his coach in year one.
"When we recruited him, we thought he was going to be an impact player," coach Ritch Price said. "He's exceeded our expectations. He has quality, professional at-bats. He can take the ball the other way, and he's got a
really high baseball IQ. I'm really proud of him."
McLaughlin's offensive game has been spectacular as of late and his fielding has been good as well. He has a .946 fielding percentage, with just five errors on the season, and none in conference play.
"He's a quality defender," Price said. "I thought he played well at shortstop today." McLaughlin made a great diving catch to end the game Wednesday afternoon.
The Jayhawks got two much needed wins after a tough 1-5 start to conference play. To be successful going forward, they will need their freshman phenom to continue producing.
"Hopefully, the way I've been playing continues for the rest of the year," McLaughlin said. "I knew my skill set would translate over to Big 12 baseball."
Edited by Laura Kubicki
Kansas softball to face Texas Tech this weekend
DEREK SKILLETT
@derek_skillett
After recording their first conference sweep of the season, the No. 22 Jayhawks (32-5, 3-3) look to keep rolling against the Texas Tech Red Raiders (16-23, 0-6) this weekend in Lubbock, Texas.
MISSY MINEAR/KANSAN
Senior first baseman Maddie Stein catches a ball at first base at Arrocha Field against Texas. The Jayhawks lost the first game of the series 0-6 on Friday night.
The Jayhawks are coming off a big road sweep of the Oklahoma State Cowgirls. The Jayhawks bounced back from being swept in the conference opener against the Texas Longhorns by defeating the Cowgirls by a score of 7-6 Thursday, 10-5 Saturday and 3-2 Sunday.
The star of the weekend was junior Chaley Brickey, who earned her second career Big 12 Player of the Week honor. Over the weekend, Brickey led the team with six hits, five runs scored, two doubles and two home runs against the Cowgirls. Brickey recorded a 1.273 slugging percentage and a .615 on-base percentage. She recorded a .545 batting average for the weekend, according to a University release.
During the season, Brickey leads the Jayhawks in most statistical categories, boasting a. 412 batting average, 49 hits, 28 runs scored, 45 RBIs and 10 home runs. Daniella Chavez looks to continue an impressive freshman season, recording a .356 batting average, 37 hits, 19 runs scored, eight home runs, and she ranks second on the team with 44 RBIs.
Senior Alicia Pille leads the pitching staff with a 2.41 ERA and has struck out a
remarkable 149 batters while allowing 108 hits and 57 runs in 142 innings pitched. Freshman Bryn Houlton ranks second on the Jayhawks' pitching staff with a 3.03 ERA and has struck out 23 batters while allowing 36 hits and 20 runs.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders come into the weekend with a 16-23 overall record and have yet to record a Big 12 conference win. Texas Tech is riding an eight game losing streak, with six of those losses coming against the No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners and the No. 13 Baylor Bears.
Junior outfielder Jordan Bettiol statistically leads the Red Raiders with a .384 batting average and has recorded 48 hits, 32 runs scored and 13 RBIs this season. Sophomore Kierra Miles leads Texas Tech
Senior Cara Custer leads the Red Raiders' pitching staff with a 4.72 ERA and has struck 86 batters while allowing 172 hits and 131 runs scored in 148 innings pitched. Senior Chandler Moore ranks second on the pitching staff with a 6.40 ERA and has struck out 50 batters while allowing 80 hits and 78 runs scored.
with 37 RBIs while recording a .344 batting average, 42 hits and 29 runs scored.
The Red Raiders' pitching staff has collectively recorded a 5.54 ERA and has struck out 143 batters while allowing 291 hits and 244 runs scored.
The Jayhawks will face off against the Red Raiders on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and will finish out the series Sunday at 11 a.m.
Edited by Emma Seiwert
@UNIVERSITYDAILYKANSAN
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