March 15, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Kansas baseball team will host Baker in a midweek contest on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Hoglund Ballpark.

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Kansas skipper Ritch Price will attempt to earn his 300th career win at the Division I level in the game. Price enters the game with a career Div. 1 record of 299-295-1.

The Jayhawks (18-6) are coming off a sweep of North Dakota State at Hoglund Ballpark over the weekend and are shooting for their fourth consecutive win.

During the North Dakota State series, the KU offense scored 34 runs on 44 hits, including a season-high 17 runs and 22 hits in Sunday’s 17-2 victory. The Jayhawks also connected on six home runs in the three-game set, including two by junior outfielder A.J. Van Slyke, who leads the team with five long balls this season.

Freshman second baseman Ryne Price also took a big step forward in his development from the high school level to the Division I level as he batted .818 (9-for-11) at the plate in the series with a home run and five RBI.

On the hill, junior pitcher Kodiak Quick picked up a pair of wins against NDSU to improve his overall record to 6-1 this season. In Friday’s contest, Quick came out of the KU bullpen in relief of starter Mike Zagurski and threw 1.1 innings of one-hit baseball to earn the victory. The Belton, Mo., native returned to the mound to start Sunday’s game and was dominant for the first five innings. Quick threw five shutout innings and limited the Bison to only three singles. He collected six strikeouts including three in the second inning when he struck out the side.

Baker comes to Lawrence with a 9-11 record this season, including a 1-1 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Baker (9-11) vs. Kansas (16-8)

Hoglund Ballpark (March 16)

Site: Hoglund Ballpark (2,500) — Lawrence, Kan.

Game times (CST): Wednesday (March 16) 3 p.m.

Rankings: Both Kansas and Baker enter the series unranked.

Series Information: vs. Baker — KU leads 50-6

Coaches: Kansas head coach Ritch Price is 82-67-1 in his third year at KU and 299-295-1 in his 11th overall year of coaching at the Div. 1 level.

Promotional Events: Start the St. Patrick’s Day celebration early at the KU baseball game and bring the Jayhawks Good Luck! Door give-a ways include a green shamrock hat, shamrock beads, and a home run key chain for everyone in attendance. Also, it’s your chance to win a KU St. Patty’s Day hat! Two trivia questions will be asked between the 2^nd and 6^th innings don’t miss your chance to win! During the 7^th inning stretch fans can also enjoy a St. Patty’s Potato Sack Race, don’t miss all the fun at Hoglund Ballpark on Wednesday March 16^th!

Media Coverage

Audio: None

Gametracker: www.kuathletics.com