Shelbee Jones pitched a complete game three-hitter as the University of Utah softball team defeated the Kansas Jayhawks 2-1 in Big 12 Conference play on March 21 at Arrocha Ballpark in Lawrence, Kansas.
The victory brings Utah’s record to 24-7 overall and 4-1 in conference games through their first 31 contests. The close win highlights Jones’ strong season, as she lowered her earned run average to a Big 12-best 1.12.
“Shelbee had all of her pitches working for her today,” said coach Amy Hogue. “She mixed well and we played clean behind her. One solo shot should never be able to beat us. I’m very, very proud of her performance in the circle and the work her team did behind her.”
Utah scored early, bringing home Danika Wilson in the first inning after two singles, a walk, and a wild pitch. Kansas tied the game with an Anna Soles home run in the fourth inning. In the sixth, Kennedy Proctor walked and advanced to third on a Wilson single before scoring on a fielder’s choice by Shonty Passi.
Jones maintained control late in the game, retiring Kansas hitters in order during the sixth inning and ending a seventh-inning threat with her seventh strikeout of the day. This marked Jones’ fifth complete game of the year.
Utah will face Kansas again on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
