No. 2 Clemson Beats No. 25 Kansas, 7-2
March 10, 2006
CLEMSON, S.C. –
No. 25 Kansas fell to No. 2 Clemson, 7-2, Friday afternoon in Clemson, S.C. The loss snaps KU’s eight game winning streak and drops its record to 14-5 on the season, Clemson improves to 9-2 on the year. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
After allowing a first inning single to senior Ritchie Price, Clemson senior starting pitcher Josh Cribb (4-0) did not allow another base hit in seven innings of work. A fast worker, Cribb threw only 69 pitches while striking out four batters and walking two.
KU didn’t get on the scoreboard until Cribb was replaced by freshman Matt Vaughn to start the eighth inning. A Brock Simpson single and Buck Afenir walk brought Kyle Murphy to the plate with two outs. The Beloit, Wis., native doubled down the left field line to pull KU to within 6-2.
The Tigers scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the first inning. Clemson’s lead off batter, Herman Demmink, reached first on an error and stole second base. Demmink scored on a one-out single by Taylor Harbin who advanced to second on the throw home.
With two outs, Travis Storrer singled up the middle to score CU’s second run, Jared Schweitzer cut off Murphy’s throw to the plate and threw to second baseman Matt Berner who snuck behind Storrer after he took a wide turn around first to pick him off and end the inning.
Clemson plated its third run in the second inning with a two-out single. Sophomore left fielder John Allman saved two runs with a diving catch near the foul line to end the inning.
The Tigers used three singles to plate two runs in the sixth inning to take a 6-0 lead. A 6-3 double play ended the inning for Kansas. CU also added a single run in the eight.
KU threatened in the ninth inning, putting runners on first and second with two outs. Pinch hitter Preston Land hit a shot to deep to left centerfield only to have the strong wind keep it in the park, ending the threat and game.
Junior Sean Land (4-2) took the loss for KU. Land allowed seven hits and four runs, two earned, while striking out three. Junior Brendan McNamara and freshman Andy Marks pitched in relief.
Kansas and Clemson will play game two of its three game series on Saturday at 1 p.m. central. The Jayhawks will send senior Ricky Fairchild (4-1, 4.33 ERA) to the mound against Tiger junior Jason Berken (2-1, 2.92 ERA).
Game Notes: Gus Milner extended his hitting streak to eight games … Kansas is now 2-3 this season against top 10 teams and 11-14 under coach Ritch Price … KU’s five hits stopped a nine-game streak that the Jayhawks recorded at least nine hits … Kansas is now 1-1 all-time against Clemson.
