The Kansas Jayhawks baseball team won their eighth consecutive game on April 10, defeating No. 12 UCF, 4-3, in an extra-inning contest at Hoglund Ballpark. The victory ties Kansas with UCF atop the Big 12 standings at a record of 10-3.
This matchup was significant as both teams are leading the conference and are considered strong contenders this season. The two teams will finish their series with a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday due to possible inclement weather on Sunday.
In the bottom of the eleventh inning, Max Soliz Jr. delivered a walk-off single to left field that scored Brady Ballinger and secured the win for Kansas. Coach Dan Fitzgerald said of his players, “They love the moment; they love to compete…it’s hard to teach the intangible piece of loving the moment and that’s what they do.” Fitzgerald also said, “I’m proud of all of the guys on this team; I’m really proud of Max Soliz. He has persevered through a lot. He is an awesome teammate. He earned that moment.”
Boede Rahe pitched three innings in relief for Kansas, allowing only one unearned run while striking out three batters and improving his season record to five wins and one loss. Soliz finished with three hits and two runs batted in during the game.
Kansas improved its overall record to 24-10 and is now riding its longest winning streak this season at eight games. The team has also won fourteen out of its last sixteen games and recorded eighteen comeback victories so far this year.
The series between Kansas (24-10) and UCF (20-10) continues Saturday with a doubleheader as both teams look to secure their position atop the Big 12.
