Softball beats Kansas 4-1
2/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Kent State's softball team scored a 4-1 win over the University of Kansas to open the Red and Black Softball Tournament at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday (2/23).
The Golden Flashes sent eight batters to the plate and jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Senior pitcher Brittany Robinson (LaGrange, Ohio/) led off with a single to rightfield. Junior outfielder Corey Houk (Hebron, Ohio/Lakewood) followed with a walk. Robinson moved to third and Houk advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by junior shortstop Jessica Toocheck (Medina, Ohio/Medina). Junior first baseman Jamie Fitzpatrick (Cartersville, Ga,/Woodland) singled to right to drive in Robinson and Houk. Senior third baseman Megan Verde (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) walked and the Golden Flashes had runner's on first and second with one away. Freshman catcher Amy Hair (Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Perry) reached on a fielder's choice and Fitzpatrick scored after the Jayhawks' third baseman dropped the throw to make the score 3-0.
Robinson (3-0, 0-0 MAC) held Kansas hitless until the fifth inning. She struck out five consecutive Jayhawks in the second and third innings. Robinson finished the game with 12 strikeouts.
Kent State added a run in the fourth when Verde singled to score Toocheck who had reached on a single.
Kansas' Val Chapple opened the fifth with a double. Robinson stranded her at third by striking out two of the nest three batters.
The Jayhawks put a runner on in the bottom of the seventh, but Robinson ended the game with her 12th strikeout.
Fitzpatrick and freshman outfielder Leah Archual (Tallmadge, Ohio/Tallmadge) each registered two hits in three at bats to lead the Flashes' offensive attack.
“We played well today,” said head coach Karen Linder. “We got out to a good start and stayed aggressive.”
Kent State (5-0, 0-0 MAC) will battle the University of Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4) at 11 a.m. and the University of Louisville Cardinals (3-6) at 3 p.m. on Saturday (2/24).
