When No. 2 Texas softball gets in a groove offensively, the impact can be detrimental for opposing defenses. Against Baylor on Saturday night in Waco, Texas, the Longhorns used a dominant second inning performance to eliminate the Bears from striking distance and prove just how ruinous they can be on a roll.
Texas scored nine runs in this second-inning smackdown, setting the tone for three more innings of smooth sailing on the way to its 17th run-rule victory of the season. However, none of Texas’ runs were the result of massive hits by star players.
Rather, as head coach Mike White emphasized after the game, the Longhorns’ offensive prowess was a result of strong base running and the forcing of errors.
“We hit some doubles and then took advantage of some good base running,” White said. “It’s a big ballpark tonight — there (were) some pretty well hit balls that didn’t go out. So, I thought we were really aggressive on the bases and rather caused them to make some errors and some bad throws.”
This base-running aggression and the energy associated with it started with junior outfielder Kayden Henry, who got the ball rolling in the second inning with a double to bring two teammates in. In what might not be all that surprising of a move to regular Texas softball viewers, Henry also iced the cake on the play by stealing third base.
She entered the game having already stolen 19 bases this season, something that has somewhat become second nature to her. White has identified her as a player who brings energy and vibrancy to his team’s culture with her speed and efficiency on base.
“She’s very flamboyant,” White said. “She pushes the envelope on me a little bit — we kid each other a little bit, and she’s able to take it and give it, but she’s fun. She’s the kind of kid you want to come see her play, and she’s good for the sport.”
After Henry’s double, senior infielder Leighann Goode and junior infielder Katie Stewart both singled, and freshman pitcher Hannah Wells doubled as Texas’ designated player. They returned to the dugout up nine runs, a lead they would go on to expand in the fifth inning through the use of a lesser-known role player.
Senior outfielder Kaydee Bennett took full advantage of her first at-bat since Texas’ win against St. Bonaventure on Feb. 28, cranking it to center field and scoring an in-park home run when the Bears’ right and center fielders collided and failed to secure the ball for a catch. She brought freshman infielder MaTea Lawson in on the play, taking the Longhorns into the double digits with her fifth hit and first home run of the season.
“I think we have a super deep lineup, and it’s so securing,” Bennett said after the game. “We all do it for each other, so it’s not just individual performance.”
While this blowout matchup was defined by offensive depth and team base-running, it would be unfair to ignore junior pitcher Teagan Kavan’s thoroughly strong performance. As Texas’ ace, her strength seems to be somewhat of a given at times. However, with 10 strikeouts, no errors, no walks and just two hits to show for her work on Saturday, her performance is one worth noting.
“I thought (Kavan) was on point tonight,” White said. “I thought that the zone was pretty tight, but she was able to get ahead and stay ahead.”
The Longhorns will next take to the diamond on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Texas State on the road.
