Defense carries Razorbacks to victory

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FAYETTEVILLE - The University of Arkansas softball team defeated UMKC 2-0 in a mid-week single game matchup to improve its overall record to 23-19 on the season. UMKC falls to 18-23.
 
"If I could pick two things for my team to be really good at it would be great pitching and solid defense," said head coach Mike Larabee. "That is what we had tonight and I am very pleased."
 
The Razorbacks started the game with some solid defense from the outfield with each outfielder grabbing an out forcing UMKC to go three up and three down.
 
Devon Wallace got the offense going and recorded the first hit of the game when she hit a double to the right-centerfield wall. That hit gives Wallace eight doubles on the season. Jayme Gee continued her consistent hitting from last week, grabbing a single to right field, bringing home Wallace for the 1-0 lead. Gee advanced to second on the throw, but was unable to be brought home before the inning was finished.
 
UMKC put its first runner on base after Anna Sokolik recorded a single to left field.
 
Freshman Maddie Reese recorded her first career home run as a Razorback in the bottom of the third after she blasted a ball over the left field fence giving the Arkansas the 2-0 lead. Arkansas now has 45 home runs as a team on the 2012 season.
 
"Maddie has been working really hard to improve her hitting," said Larabee.
 
The Razorbacks held strong again on defense in the top of the fourth with the help from left fielder Sierra Bronkey who made a tough catch at the wall forcing the Kangaroos to go three up and three down. More rock-solid defense continued in the top of the fifth forcing another quick inning for UMKC. Arkansas caught a runner attempting to steal second with a throw from Gee to Clarisa Navarro.
 
Jennifer Rambo hit the second double on the day for the Razorbacks in the bottom of the sixth when she blasted the ball out to the left-center wall. She was not able to be brought home keeping the score 2-0 in favor of the Razorbacks.
 
In the circle, freshman Kimmy Beasley threw all seven innings grabbing her ninth victory on the season while striking out six batters and allowing no walks.
 
"Kimmy is on a roll right now," said Larabee. "Kimmy paired up with Jayme Gee behind the plate has been a solid combination."
 
Arkansas's defense was the story of the night only allowing four hits, not allowing one Kangaroo to get to get past first base. The Razorbacks also recorded 21 putouts with Gee having the most with six.
 
Arkansas will be back in action this weekend at Auburn, Ala. Where it will play a three-game series against the Tigers beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday.
 
For more information regarding Razorback softball or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.