McCaulley on fire as KU softball wins 2

By J-W Staff Reports     Mar 3, 2008

? Kansas University junior Dougie McCaulley went a combined 7-for-8 on the day with two runs and two RBIs, and pitcher Valerie George picked up a win and a save as the Jayhawks claimed two victories Sunday to conclude the Coach B Classic.

McCaulley was 3-for-4 in an 8-6 victory over Western Illinois early, then went 4-for-4 in a 10-2, run-rule-shortened victory over Bradley in the second game.

Against WIU (0-8), seven Jayhawks scored runs.

Western Illinois’ Lori Pankratz walked four straight batters in the first inning as the Jayhawks went ahead 1-0. KU tacked on six run in the second, off four hits and two Westerwind errors. The big inning was highlighted by a three-run home run from junior Elle Pottorf, her first of the year.

Freshman Allie Clark smashed a home run of her own, a solo shot over the left field fence in the fifth inning, extending KU’s lead to 8-1.

Western Illinois, having scored its first run in the third with a stolen base and a pair of hits, exploded for six runs on five hits in the bottom of the sixth to reduce the Jayhawks’ lead to 8-6.

George came in to relieve freshman starter Allie Clark (4-2) and ended the inning with a strikeout and groundout, while stranding WIU’s tying runners on second and third.

In the Westerwinds’ final at-bat, George retired the first two batters, and a pop up to shortstop Kolby Fesmire ended the contest.

In addition to Pottorf and Clark, McCaulley, Brittany Hile and Fesmire tallied RBIs for KU.

McCaulley was 4-for-4 against Bradley in a game shortened to five innings. KU (14-5) had 11 hits while surrendering three.

For the weekend, McCaulley, KU’s starting center fielder, had eight hits in four games, including two doubles. She hit .571 for the tournament.

Seven other Jayhawks recorded hits against Bradley, with Betsy Wilson and Stevie Crisosto each grabbing a pair of RBIs. Hile and Liz Kocon batted in one run a piece, as did junior Amanda Jobe, who led off Kansas’ first at-bat with a home run, her fourth of the season.

Junior Val George pitched her second victory of the weekend with eight strikeouts in five innings. George (7-1) limited the Braves to just three hits in the contest and only one earned run.

Kansas will make its home debut next weekend when it serves as host for the Jayhawk Classic on Saturday and Sunday at Arrocha Ballpark. Indiana State, Western Illinois and Pittsburgh will all make their way to Lawrence for the tournament.

PREV POST

6Sports video: K-State's Beasley falls short of guarantee

NEXT POST

28321McCaulley on fire as KU softball wins 2