Willis dazzles as Tech picks up series win over Kansas

LUBBOCK, Texas – Junior pitcher Ranci Willis had arguably the best outing of her career on Sunday in the Red Raiders (26-13, 6-9) 4-2 win over (RV) Kansas (26-14-1, 11-7). This marks the second Big 12 series victory for Tech.

Tech’s six Big 12 wins surpasses their total from last season with still nine games remaining on the schedule.

Demi Elder led the way on the offensive side as she launched a two-run homer in the bottom of the second and finished the day 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

The Red Raiders defense stepped up – making diving catches in the outfield and fielding hard-hit grounders behind Willis to help her secure the complete game.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Tech’s defense made a statement early. Arriana villa made a running catch over her shoulder in left field to record the second out of the game after Riley Love caught a rope at third base for the first out. Willis then struck out the third batter of the inning to set the tone early for the Red Raiders.

Kailey Wyckoff led off Tech’s offense with a triple down the right field line and then came around to score on a wild pitch in the next at-bat.

The Jayhawks recorded their two runs in the top of the second thanks to three hits. Willis was not phased at all as she allowed just three hits the rest of the game while striking out four batters.

Elder struck a retaliating blow with her two-run homer in the second inning after a Maddy Wright double to give Tech a 3-2 lead.

The next score came in the bottom of the fifth. Wyckoff led off the inning with a walk and Logan Halleman came in to pinch run – getting all the way to third thanks to a wild pitch and a tag up on a deep fly ball by Villa.

Riley Love then sent a ball to the warning track in right field which allowed Halleman to easily score from third and give Tech some insurance heading into the final two innings.

MILESTONES:

This is the first time Ranci Willis has pitched a complete game in her career. Willis also improved to 3-0 on the season and is up to 22.0 innings pitched this season – a career high for the junior. Elder’s home run was her fourth this season, tying a career high. This was also her seventh multi-hit game of the season.
Mimi Blackledge made her first career start at first base and recorded 11 putouts.

UP NEXT: The Red Raiders will head to Stillwater to take on No. 5 Oklahoma State beginning on April 19 at 6 p.m.

–TECH—

Release Provided By Jay Strader Texas Tech Athletics