No. 23 Kansas split its series-opening doubleheader against Baylor on April 10 at Arrocha Ballpark, losing the first game 8-7 before winning the second game 1-0.
The result highlights Kansas’ resilience in conference play and keeps the team competitive in the Big 12 standings. The teams are scheduled to conclude their series with a rubber match on Saturday.
Head coach Jennifer McFalls said, “Really proud of the way we responded in game two. Blakely was outstanding in the circle and we found a way to manufacture a run when we needed it. That’s the type of toughness you have to have in conference play.”
In game one, Kansas took an early lead with Anna Soles driving in four runs during the first two innings and finishing with five RBI for the contest. Despite holding leads throughout much of the game, Kansas surrendered two runs to Baylor in the top of the seventh inning, resulting in an 8-7 loss.
Game two saw freshman pitcher Blakely Barber throw her first career complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits over seven innings. Freshman Ella Boyer doubled as a leadoff hitter in the sixth inning and later scored what would be the only run after being replaced by Madi Hays and brought home by Kadence Stafford’s sacrifice fly.
The win marked Kansas’ fifth shutout this season and tied for most wins (28) under McFalls’ tenure as head coach. The team also extended its single-season home run record to 69, surpassing its previous mark set in 2011.
Kansas will face Baylor again on Saturday at Arrocha Ballpark for their final matchup of this series.
