Late Rally Allows Kansas to Defeat NDSU, 5-4
April 11, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
The University of Kansas tied the game in the eighth and scored on an error in the ninth inning to defeat North Dakota State, 5-4, Tuesday night at Hoglund Ballpark. With the win, KU improves to 23-13 on the season.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning, sophomore John Allman reached base on a fielding error with one out. Freshman Preston Land walked and was pinch ran for by junior Kyle Murphy. A pitch after Allman stole third base, Murphy was picked off first base. The ensuing run-down allowed Allman to scamper home for the game-tying run.
After NDSU recorded two hits off KU reliever Paul Smyth to open the ninth, senior Don Czyz was called on to hold the Bison off the scoreboard. The nation’s leader in saves got all three batters he faced to strikeout swinging to end the Bison threat.
Senior Ritchie Price led off the bottom of the ninth inning and reached on a fielding error by NDSU’s third baseman Sean Thom. A passed ball allowed Price to move up to second base.
Senior Matt Baty sent a sacrifice bunt towards the pitchers’ mound. As NDSU’s pitcher Mitch McNary fielded the ball he turned and threw over Thom’s head in an attempt to get Price out as he slide into third base. The throwing error – NDSU’s sixth of the game – allowed Price to score the game-winning tally.
Czyz improved to 5-0 on the season while lowering his ERA to 1.43. McNary picked up the loss for the Bison, his fourth.
After NDSU opened the game with a run in the top of the first, KU responded with three runs in its half of the frame. NDSU’s starter Ryan Williams walked four batters and hit two Jayhawks while pitching just 2/3 of an inning. Shane Bushland came in relief of Williams’ and got the final out of the first inning.
Bushland went on to pitch a season-high 7.0 innings, allowing three hits and no earned runs while striking out three.
Junior Brendan McNamara started and pitched 4.0 innings, allowing two runs (none earned) while striking out four batters. McNamara walked a season-high four batters. Freshmen Andy Marks and Paul Smyth combined to pitch 4.0 innings allowing two hits each before Czyz was called upon.
KU and NDSU will play again Wednesday at Hoglund Ballpark. Game time is set for 3 p.m.
Game Notes: Senior Ritchie Price played in his 223rd career game, one shy of tying the school record set by Brent Wilhelm (1992-95) … Senior Gus Milner received his first game off of the season … KU is now 7-1 when sophomore Brock Simpson hits leadoff … Sophomore Matt Berner (2-for-3) set a career high for hits in a game … Freshman Paul Smyth has not allowed a run in his last 6.1 innings pitched and has lowered his ERA in his last nine outings.
