Kansas Baseball Bows to No. 13 Texas A&M, 7-6
March 28, 2009
COLLEGE STATION, Texas –
Kansas rallied from a three-run deficit in the eighth inning, but could not finish what it started. Caleb Shofner’s RBI single with one out in the ninth inning plated Kyle Colligan from third base and lifted Texas A&M to a 7-6 victory Saturday over Kansas at Olsen Field.
The Jayhawks fall to 15-9 overall, and 3-2 in Big 12 play, while Texas A&M improves to 17-9 overall and 5-3 in the conference.
The Aggies scored the winning run in the ninth after a hit batsman, an error and a single to earn their fourth straight victory.
Kansas had opportunities to take the lead in the latter innings, but left the bases loaded in both the seventh and eighth. In the top of the eighth, and Texas A&M leading 6-3, Casey Lytle singled home Jimmy Waters, who opened the inning with a double. Then Robby Price and Brian Heere drew back-to-back bases loaded walks to tie the score.
KU put the go-ahead run on first base in the ninth, but couldn’t get him home.
After being shut out Friday night, Kansas wasted little time getting on the board Saturday. Following a David Narodowski strikeout, Robby Price singled and then scored on a double by Buck Afenir. Sophomore Tony Thompson then followed with an RBI double to right center, giving KU a 2-0 lead.
Texas A&M came back with three runs against KU starter T.J. Walz in the fourth as Luke Anders doubled home a run, and Kevin Gonzalez singled home two more runs to give the Aggies a 3-2 lead.
Walz pitched well enough to win, but did not factor in the decision. The righty went 5 1/3 innings and allowed four runs on six hits with two walks and matched a career high with seven strikeouts.
The Jayhawks came back to tie the score in the sixth with a walk and a Preston Land single and an error.
The Aggies scored the go-ahead run in their half of the sixth on Anders’ fourth home run of the season, and stretched it to a three-run lead against KU’s bullpen.
Three Jayhawks, Land, Narodowski and Thompson all had two hits to lead the offense.
Kansas will look to salvage the third and final game of the series on Sunday at 12:05 p.m. The game will be carried via audio webcast on kuathletics.com.
