Softball snaps losing streak in Baylor split
Brett Medeiros / Staff Writer
Behind the combined arms of junior Ashley Kirk and senior Brittany Simmons, the Mean Green was able to split the doubleheader against the nationally ranked No. 20 Baylor Bears in a night of close scores and even closer plays.
Game one started off slow as Baylor (34-11) took advantage of mistakes by Kirk and jumped out to an early 2-0 lead.
With four doubles in the third inning and back-to-back home runs in the fourth by freshmen Taylor Schoblocher and Bryana Wade, the Mean Green (19-20, 6-9) took a 5-3 lead.
The score stayed 5-3 at the final. In seven innings of work, Kirk earned the win allowing three runs on six hits and striking out eight in the process. Kirk has 439 career strikeouts and is now nine away from passing Kristina Fowler for the all-time UNT strikeout record.
“I wish I could take all the credit in that, but I just can’t,” Kirk said. “The defense behind me was terrific and the bats were simply on fire tonight. My win couldn’t be possible without everyone else. They did all the hard work.”
In game two, both teams found run production early, as Baylor took a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth inning.
However, all offensive run production came to a halt as the game turned into a pitching duel between Simmons and Baylor pitcher Courtney Repka.
The 2-1 score held for the rest of the game as Baylor forced the series split.
“I’m proud of the girls out there today,” head coach T.J. Hubbard said. “I’m proud of the effort and proud of the outcome. Would have liked to have that second game of course, but they all played well regardless.”
Middle Tennessee
After a nonconference battle against Baylor, the Mean Green continues its conference schedule with a road trip to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to take on the Blue Raiders (5-37, 1-16) in a three-game series.
With just one win in six games, the Mean Green could use a lift. Middle Tennessee provides that opportunity, as MTSU is currently last in the conference.
“I believe in never taking any team lightly,” Wade said. “They’re in Division I softball just like we are. On any given day a team can play at their best. We can’t play down to them.”
Saturday’s doubleheader will start at 1 p.m. with the second game directly after. Sunday’s finale will start at noon.
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