Jayhawks Complete Doubleheader Sweep, 5-1

March 1, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Box Score in PDF Format

Postgame Interviews:Coach Price | Marciel | Marasco

Junior first baseman Zac Elgie went 2-for-4 with an RBI double, while sophomore pitcher Thomas Taylor scattered seven hits over 5 2/3 innings as Kansas completed a doubleheader sweep of Southern Utah, 5-1 in the nightcap Tuesday evening at Hoglund Ballpark.

Kansas recorded its first sweep of a twinbill since April of 2009 and improved to 4-3 overall, while the Thunderbirds fell to 4-4. KU won the first game of the day 2-1.

After struggling to score in the early game, the Jayhawks recorded eight hits, including two each by Elgie, James Stanfield and freshman Jordan Brown. Elgie’s third double of the season broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third.

Southern Utah tied the game in the top of the fourth on a two-out single to left field by Taggart Lunceford on a sinking line drive that Jimmy Waters nearly snared before it hit the turf. However, KU answered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth and bottom of the sixth.

The Jayhawks grabbed the lead for good in the fourth when Stanfield scored on a squeeze bunt by Kaiana Eldredge. KU added another run on the play when Thunderbird first baseman Austin Hunt threw wildly to third base, trying to pick the runner off after recording the out at first.

KU took advantage of seven hit batsmen by Southern Utah starting pitcher Chase Rezac. Senior shortstop Brandon Macias tied the school record by getting plunked three times in his first three plate appearances.

Despite surrendering seven hits, Taylor was able to escape trouble nearly every frame. He pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the second by inducing a 6-4-3 double play and worked his way out of a lead off triple in the third when Brown lost a fly ball in the lights.

KU’s bullpen slammed the door, allowing just one hit over the final 3 1/3 innings. During the Jayhawks’ four-game homestand, which began on Feb. 22 against Creighton, KU’s pitching staff has a 1.46 ERA and has had its starting pitcher allow one or no runs in all four starts.

The Jayhawks will look to hold onto the momentum of its three-game win streak when it participates in the Coca Cola Surprise Classic hosted by Arizona State in Surprise, Ariz. this weekend. KU will open the tournament against UC Riverside Thursday at approximately 5 p.m. CST.