The Kansas softball team fought back a No. 12 Texas Tech rally attempt to earn its first victory over a ranked opponent in three years, beating the Red Raiders by a 6-4 margin at Rocky Johnson Field.
KU last defeated a ranked opponent April 2, 2016 against then-No. 13 Oklahoma in Norman, Okla.
The Jayhawks (15-27, 3-7 Big 12) jumped out to an early lead by netting four runs in the second inning, and added two additional runs in the fifth inning off a Madison Sykes two-run homer. Kansas started its four-run frame with a Becki Monaghan walk and scored its first run on a Jennifer Marwitz double. Miranda Rodriguez singled through the right side, which plated Marwitz.
Two batters later, Emily Bermel hit an infield single that scored Rodriguez. Brittany Jackson then scored Bermel with a single.
The Red Raiders netted their first run of the game on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the fifth. TTU added three runs in the sixth inning, but a fly out to Brittany Jackson in center ended the inning.
Brynn Minor earned the victory and pitched six innings in total, while allowing only one earned run with four strikeouts.
The second game is slated for 6 p.m. Friday.
