March 31, 2006

Culp, No. 29 Missouri Shutout KU, 3-0

March 31, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The 29^th-ranked Missouri Tigers defeated the Kansas Jayhawks, 3-0, Friday night in front of 1,821 fans at Hoglund Ballpark. The Big 12 home opening loss drops KU to 18-11 overall and 2-5 in conference while MU improves to 16-9 and 6-1 in conference. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

MU starter Nathan Culp (6-2) picked up his sixth win of the season in going the distance for the Tigers. The junior lefty allowed only three hits, struck out five and faced the minimum batters through 7.2 innings for his first career complete game.

Missouri got on the scoreboard with a two-run homer off the bat of senior Trevor Helms in the second inning. Senior Derek Chambers was on base after walking before Helms hit his first homer of the season.

In the eighth, MU extended its lead to 3-0 on a single by Jacob Priday. The RBI scored Zane Taylor who singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch.

Junior lefty Sean Lead started the ballgame and took the loss for the Jayhawks. The Greenwood, Mo. native, allowed four hits and two runs while striking out five in 5.2 innings. Freshman Paul Smyth came out of the bullpen to relieve Land and allowed three hits and one run in 3.1 innings while striking out a career-high four Tigers.

Sophomore John Allman was responsible for two of the Jayhawks three hits on the night. Freshman Preston Land picked up the other Jayhawk hit in the eighth inning to extend his hitting streak to six games.

The Jayhawks and Tigers will play the second game of their three game series Saturday at 2 p.m. KU senior Ricky Fairchild (4-2, 4.30 ERA) will face MU junior Max Scherzer (3-1, 2. 88 ERA).

Game Notes: The loss was KU’s first at home this season (4-1) … KU pitchers were called for three balks during the game … Allman is 6-for-12 (.500) in his last three games … Erik Morrison snapped his career-best eight game hitting streak … Despite giving up one point to Missouri, KU still leads the Border Showdown 12.5 to 10.5.