Jayhawk Offense Explodes Against Western Illinois

March 24, 2009

Final Stats

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Sophomore Casey Lytle and junior David Narodowski each had three hits, while Jason Brunansky scored three runs as Kansas scored a season-high 14 runs in a 14-3 non-conference baseball victory over Western Illinois Tuesday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.

The Jayhawks, who have now won 11 straight at home, improve to 14-7 on the season, while the Leathernecks drop to 3-11.

After sweeping No. 1 Texas over the weekend, KU fell behind early, but scored three runs in the second and took control of the contest with six runs in the fourth.

The fourth inning rally, in which the Jayhawks sent 11 men to the plate and collected six runs on six hits, was KU’s most productive of the season. Junior Brett Lisher opened the inning by getting hit by a pitch, and then doubled home a run to cap the frame. Five different Jayhawks had RBI hits in the inning.

KU put in the final nail in the fifth inning as Lytle tripled, Robby Price doubled and pinch hitter James Stanfield singled with two outs to expand the lead to 13-3.

The Jayhawks’ 14 runs and 16 hits on the afternoon were both season highs.

Kansas’ bullpen, which did not give up any runs in the Texas series, was again spot on. Freshman Kevin Burk picked up his first career win by pitching three scoreless innings in relief of starter Cameron Selik. Thomas Marcin and Kelson Boyer each pitched hitless innings to close out the game.

KU will play host to the Leathernecks in the second game of the series Wednesday at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is schedule for 3 p.m.