8B
SPORTS / THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
KANSAS VS. WICHITA STATE
SOFTBALL REWIND
SPLIT
(CONTINUED FROM 1B)
game plan we put together for that pitcher," Smith said. "We chased too many pitches and too many rise balls, and we weren't supposed to do that."
The second game started much better for Kansas as the first three batters had hits, leading to a run and runners on second and third with no outs. But Kansas failed to score another run in the inning. The Shockers came back and responded with two runs in the top of the second inning, taking the lead on a deep double, but the potential third scorer was thrown out at home to end the inning.
Kansas went back to work in the second, scoring another two runs and took a 3-2 lead into the third. The Jayhawks started pouring it on in the fourth, scoring five runs to pull away from the Shockers 8-2. Kansas added an extra run in the sixth, and Wichita State couldn't answer as Kansas won 9-2.
"We were sparked by our top of the order by getting on base, and then we were just attacking the ball," Smith said. "I'm really proud of their effort in the second game."
Smith said the Jayhawks turned up the offense in the second game.
Kansas will return to Big 12 Conference play this weekend when it travels to Norman, Okla., for a two-game series with No. 10 Oklahoma.
Edited by Jesse Rangel
Series to remember
Freshman infielder Mariah Montgomery
In game one, Mariah Montgomery went 2-for-3 with Kansas' only RBI, and in the second game, she went 2-for-5 with an RBI, a double and a run. In the last seven games, she is now 10-for-21. She is also now one double shy of cracking the top 10 doubles in a season.
Montgomery
Keyinnings
GAME ONE: top of the fourth
The Shockers started the inning with a stand-up double, and two batters later, Kansas missed a golden opportunity to get the runner out at home, which would have given Wichita State two outs. Instead the runner scored, and two more would cross home before the inning was over.
After a stagnant first game, Kansas' offense shrugged off the rust and came out with three hits on the first three batters. The aftermath was a run and runners on second and third with no outs. Even though Kansas was unable to score more runs, it set the tone for the rest of the game.
GAMETWO: bottom of the first
14 hits
Stat of the night
After Kansas could not get its offense going in the first game, it came out on fire in the second game. Kansas had a in only six innings of offensive play.
season-high number of hits in only six innings of offensive play.
Kansas has had a streak of coming out flat in the first game of a series, but then later returning with more passion in the second game. Kansas stuck with this inconsistent streak, unable to get its offense going in the first game, but then had season highs in the second game. Kansas will need to smooth out these tendencies, but will have plenty of time as the young team starts four freshmen.
In perspective
Zach Getz
Junior pitcher Allie Clark hit a hit that came back at her against Wichita State Wednesday at Arroa Hall Ballpark. Clark struck out three batters in seven innings in the Jayhawks' 9-2 victory against Wichita State. Clark also went 3 for 3 at the plate, with one RBI.
Weston White/KANSAN
Weston White/KANSAN
Weston White/KANSAN
Freshman left fielder Maggie Hall runs in to catch a pop-fly on Wednesday night's 4-1 loss to Wichita State. Kansae gave up seven hits in the first game of the double-header.
Weston White/KANSAN Freshman center fielder Alex Jones slides across home plate for Kansas' only run during a 4-1 loss to Wichita State. Jones batted 1-4 with one strikeout.