April 03, 2005
Texas A&M sophomore Sharonda McDonald set the A&M career stolen base mark as the No. 6 Texas A&M softball team (33-2, 4-0) dropped Kansas (15-15, 0-4), 7-1, at Arrocha Ballpark on Sunday.
McDonald, who has started in 91 straight games since coming to A&M last season, stole three bags on the day moving her atop the all-time stolen base charts with 85 for her career. The previous mark of 83 was set by Lisa Klam from 1999-2002. McDonald has stolen at least one base in 52 of those games and has stolen multiple bags in 20 contests.
The Aggies continue their school-record start as they improved to 34-2 on the season while extending their win streak to 18 games.
Last season A&M knocked in 61 two-out RBI on the entire season. In 36 games this season, the Aggies have recoreded 82 two-out RBI including four against KU on Sunday.
"We were fighting ourselves all day but I am proud of our girls for fighting through and coming out with the win." commented A&M head coach Jo Evans. "It is a sign of a good team when you don't play your best but you come out and find a way to win. I am excited that we never quit. We always fight and we don't allow our opponents to take a rest."
With the win, the Aggies surpass last season's win total of 33. A&M finished the 2004 season 33-22.
In the circle, Amanda Scarborough (Magnolia, Texas) improved to 20-0 on the season and 5-0 in Big 12 play with a complete-game three strikeout performance.
Jamie Hinshaw (Missouri City, Texas) was named the State Farm Player of the Game after a 2-for-4 performance resulting in four RBI, three of which came on a two-out triple in the sixth.
In the third inning, Pinch runner Morgan Hebert (Peoria, Ariz.) put the Aggies up 1-0 when she crossed the plate on a throwing error by KU pitcher Christina Ross. Joy Davis (Austin, Texas) made it 2-0 on a Hinshaw single setting up a double steal with Hinshaw and Sharonda McDonald (Houston, Texas), who reached on the error. Going from third, McDonald beat the cut-off throw back to the plate for her first stolen base of the day, tying her for the career record.
After Kansas cut the lead to two in the fifth, Hinshaw put them up 6-1 with a 2-1 two-out triple to left center before she was plated by a Jana James (Mesquite, Texas) double to the same spot making it 7-1 Aggies.
With the win, Texas A&M improved to 36-14 all time against Kansas including sweeps in the last three seasons.
The Aggies continue conference play on Wednesday night in Austin against No. 4 Texas. First pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m.
Live stats and audio of Wednesday's game will be available, free of charge, on AggieAthletics.com. Fans attending the game can listen live by tuning into the low end of the FM dial.