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Janson Reeder hits monster grand slam as Kansas takes lead over Texas

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•05/24/23•

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Big 12 Baseball Tournament
(Photo by Ben Ludeman/Texas Rangers/Getty Images)

Big 12 Tournament is underway, with Kansas and Texas Longhorns being the second game of the day at Globe Life Field. In what had been a pitching duel up until the seventh inning, the bats finally came out in the top half. A monster grand slam broke a 2-2 deadlock, giving the Jayhawks a four-run lead late in the game.

Janson Reeder had an absolute no doubter for Kansas, coming in the biggest at-bat of the game. With the bases loaded and in a 3-2 count, Reeder sent one over the right-center bullpen. Nobody in the Texas outfield ever had a shot of making a play.

Once Reeder made contact, he knew the ball was gone. He decided to celebrate with a tiny bat flip before looking over to the dugout and celebrating with his teammates. Kansas went up 6-2 and was that much closer to advancing to the winner’s bracket in Arlington.

You can watch the full moment here.

Reeder potentially propelled Kansas to its second win over Texas this season. The two met for a series in Lawrence back over Cinco De Mayo weekend. UT head coach David Pierce saw his team win the final two games after dropping the opener.

Kansas would have likely accepted that fate if they knew they were going to get a win on Wednesday.

As for the current Big 12 Tournament, TCU won the first game of the day and is awaiting the result of the Kansas-Texas game. If the Jayhawks can hold off the Longhorns and get a win, they will meet up with the Horned Frogs on Thursday for the first game of the afternoon session — scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. CT.

More on Kansas star Janson Reeder

Reeder is in just his first season with Kansas, previously spending time playing junior college baseball. He has been a welcomed addition for head coach Dan Fitzgeral, being the Jayhawks’ start player this year.

In 51 games this season, Reeder recorded a .278 average and a 0.935 OPS. He drove in 41 RBIs and hit 11 home runs. The conference honored Reeder by naming him first-team All-Big 12, placing him in the designated hitter spot.

You did not find Reeder in the field too often, just recording eight putouts all season. His bat has been the massive benefit to Kansas since arriving. Wednesday was just the latest example with a monster grand slam.