The long ball once more paid off for the Longhorns, who scored more than 14 runs for the third game in a row.
But a new threat emerged for the Texas offense in the form of freshman Brejae Washington, who went 3-for-3 from the plate with two runs scored, one RBI and two triples. It was the first multiple-triple night from a Longhorn in the program’s 15-year history.
Washington didn’t know about her record-breaking performance until afterward.
“It feels like I want to get three next time,” Washington said. “It feels great to be able to do that because I know a lot of people can’t get the ball in the outfield and leg out a triple, so it feels really good to be able to do that.”
Washington’s speed brings a new element to the lineup this year, as she is a dangerous runner who stole 137 bases in her high school career at Cajon in Southern California.
Texas stole just 61 bases last year, but the freshman thinks the team can blow past that number in 2011. The single-season team record at Texas is 107 steals.
“I’m just really quick on my feet … It feels great to know that I could be the fastest runner at Texas,” Washington said. “We’re going for the stolen base record. My role on the team is to run.”
Head coach Connie Clark is utilizing Washington’s speed to bolster the bottom of the order this year, placing her in the ninth hitter’s spot. This essentially gives Texas an extra leadoff hitter at the bottom of the order that can cause havoc on the bases late in games and set up the top of the lineup.
Washington’s other hit in the game came off a bunt in the second inning that put two on for Texas. The Wisconsin pitcher then made two illegal throws, allowing one Longhorn to walk home, before a sacrifice fly allowed Washington to score.
Washington adds other elements to the team as well — her speed makes her an excellent center fielder who can cover a lot of ground. Plus she has an excellent glove, which she showed when she posted a perfect 1.00 fielding percentage in her senior year of high school.
Washington’s talents are unique but will mix well with the other Longhorns’ impressive power hitting. Even if the remarkable power doesn’t stick around all year, they can count on at least one constant on offense.
“I’m going to be stealing bases for sure,” Washington said.
