Spring Break
Bear trap
By: T.D. Durham
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Sports
|
The Lady Bears, who are 32-15 and 8-3 in the Big 12 Conference, have won five of their last six games, including a 3-2 upset against the University of Texas in Austin on April 8.
Baylor has been led by its newest pitching addition, a freshman from Aledo, Texas, Whitney Canion. Canion leads the team's pitching staff in ERA, wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and complete games.
With 303 strikeouts in 2009, Canion leads the Big 12 and is third nationally, and has become the first Baylor pitcher to reach the 300-strikeout mark in a single season.
Canion is a four-time recipient of the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honor this season and is the winningest pitcher in the Big 12. But A&M Head Coach Jo Evans says that Canion - despite her strong performance at Baylor - isn't an unstoppable force.
"Canion has a great rise ball and is excellent at throwing off of the plate," Evans said. "But she's been beaten in conference this year, so we know we'll get our chances against her."
Freshman Lady Bear outfielder Kayce Walker continues to lead her team with a .413 batting average and an on-base percentage of .457. Walker ranks second on the team in stolen bases with 22, one behind junior Tiffany Wesley's 23.
A&M enters the Baylor game after a sweep of its own, defeating Texas Tech in back-to-back home games and winning four of its past five games.
Sophomore pitcher Rhi Kliesing picked up two wins in the games, advancing her season record to 17-10 for 2009. On Saturday, she pitched a two-hit shutout against the Red Raiders, recording one strikeout in seven innings.
Evans said Kliesing, the leader at A&M in wins, strikeouts and ERA, is bouncing back well after having some tough outings.
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com