Afenir, Land Power KU Past Texas Tech, 5-2

April 13, 2008

Final Stats | Quotes

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Juniors Buck Afenir and Preston Land hit two-run homers in the bottom of the sixth, while T.J. Walz and Paul Smyth pitched solidly on the mound as Kansas completed a three-game sweep of Texas Tech, 5-2, Sunday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The Jayhawks, who had lost six straight conference games prior to the weekend, improves to 22-16 overall and 4-8 in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders fall to 17-19 overall and 4-11 in the conference. KU’s sweep of Texas Tech is the team’s first in a conference series since taking all three games from Texas A&M in May of 2006.

After Texas Tech tied the score at one in the sixth inning, Afenir slammed an 0-1 pitch over the center field fence to break the tie. It was the Kansas catcher’s fifth round-tripper of the season, and his first since hitting a three-run homer against Texas A&M two weekends ago.

Three batters later, Preston Land extended the lead to 5-1 with a laser down the left field line that landed just inside the foul pole for his fifth home run of the season.

Junior Paul Smyth earned his second victory of the season on the mound, pitching 3 2/3 innings of relief. The third-year righty scattered five hits and allowed one run with one walk and three strikeouts.

Freshman T.J. Walz did not factor in the decision, but pitched well, allowing just one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings in his first start against a Big 12 opponent.

Another freshman, Jimmy Waters, staked Walz and the Jayhawks to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third with a solo shot to right center. It was Waters’ second home run of the season. KU’s three home runs Sunday marked the third time in the last five games the team has accomplished the feat.

The Jayhawks will play host to a pair of non-conference games during the week, beginning with Baker on Tuesday at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. KU plays host Missouri State at 6 p.m. Wednesday night.