Quick's Complete Game Shutout Propels Jayhawks to Season-Opening Win
Feb. 5, 2005
KONA, Hawaii – Junior pitcher Kodiak Quick tossed a three-hit complete game shutout to lift the University of Kansas baseball team to a 4-0 season-opening victory over Hawaii-Hilo at Simmons’ Field in Kona, Hawaii, on Saturday afternoon.
Quick (1-0) got into trouble in the bottom of the first inning, as the first two Vulcan batters reached on a single and an error. The Belton, Mo., native used a double play and a strikeout to get of the inning unscored on. Following the first two batters of the game, Quick retired 23 of the next 24 hitters before allowing two base runners in the ninth inning. For the game, Quick threw 95 pitches and recorded eight strikeouts to give KU its first complete game shutout since the 2003 season.
“I felt really confident today,” said Quick. “I was able to keep the ball down low in the zone and I had a lot of confidence in my defense behind me. I was able to go out there and let them put the ball in play and let the defense work behind me. Its nice to get the first win of the season under our belt.”
The Jayhawks (1-0) were able to draw first blood in the contest during the second inning. Catcher Sean Richardson collected the team’s first hit of the season by singling through the left side and advanced to second on an error by Hilo left fielder David Chu. After a sacrifice by senior first baseman Andy Scholl moved Richardson to third, center fielder Gus Milner plated Richardson on a sacrifice fly to right field.
Kansas added to its lead in the third inning, taking a 2-0 advantage in the contest. With one out in the inning, junior left fielder Matt Baty drew his second walk of the game and moved to second in the next at bat on a sacrifice bunt by right fielder A.J. Van Slyke. After a walk was issued to shortstop Ritchie Price, designated hitter John Allman was hit with a pitch to load the bases for Richardson. Vulcans starter John Matson issued his third free pass of the inning to the Jayhawk senior to give the Jayhawks their second run of the game.
In the eighth inning, Richardson put the Jayhawks up 4-0 as he blasted the team’s first home run of the season over 380 feet beyond the wall in center field. Richardson finished the game 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI.
“Kodiak Quick was special today,” said KU head coach Ritch Price. “This was the type of game that we would have lost in my first two seasons here at KU. It was really nice for him to come out and set the tone for us. This is a great win to start the season.”
With the loss, Hawaii-Hilo drops to 0-6 on the season.
The win marked the first time the Jayhawks have won on opening day since Price took over the program prior to the 2003 season.
Kansas and Hawaii-Hilo will play a doubleheader at Simmons’ Field in Kona, Hawaii, on Sunday. The first pitch of game one is set for 10 a.m. local time and the second game will follow the conclusion of the first game.
