Big Inning Lifts Jayhawks to 9-5 Victory
March 2, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –
Junior center fielder Nick Faunce went 4-for-5 with three runs scored, while the Jayhawks used a five-run second to surge past Iowa, 9-5 Sunday, in the final day of the Music City Classic at Hawkins Field.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The Jayhawks improve to 4-5 with the win, while the Hawkeyes fall to 3-3.
Once again, KU used a big inning to post a victory. In the bottom of the second inning, Kansas sent nine men to the plate, scoring five runs on four hits, an error and a hit batsman.
Faunce had the big at bat of the inning. With the bases loaded the Kansas center fielder hit a Texas Leaguer into right field that was misplayed by the Hawkeye second baseman and led to two runs.
Sophomore Robby Price then delivered an RBI double to left center to plate the fourth run of the inning, while senior John Allman then hit a sac fly to stake the Jayhawks to a 5-0 lead.
After a Ryne Price solo home run to lead off the third, the Jayhawks struck for two more runs in the fourth as senior Erik Morrison delivered a two-run double, scoring Faunce and first baseman Preston Land.
This was more than enough support for the Kansas pitching staff. Junior lefty Sam Freeman picked up his second victory in as many starts, scattering eight hits and three runs over five innings. The 6-foot lefty struck out three and walked one.
Just as impressive was relief pitcher Andres Esquibel, who held the Hawkeyes hitless over the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.
Faunce led the 12-hit Jayhawk attack, going 4-for-5, while Morrison and Ryne Price each chipped in a pair of hits.
Winners of two straight, Kansas will look to keep its momentum going with a Wednesday afternoon game against Le Moyne College at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
