Jayhawks Split Doubleheader with Baylor
April 15, 2007
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Junior Ryne Price hit a walk-off home run, while Robby Price collected five hits on the day as the University of Kansas split a doubleheader with Baylor, taking game one 4-3 before falling 6-2 in the nightcap Sunday at Hoglund Ballpark. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The Jayhawks move to 19-22 overall and 5-10 in the Big 12, while Baylor goes to 21-17 overall and 6-9 in conference play.
The elder Price ended the first game of the day in dramatic fashion with a ninth-inning homer to center field. It marked the first time a Kansas player had hit a walk-off home run since A.J. Van Slyke hit one against Northern Colorado Feb. 26, 2005.
KU led 3-0 in the first game behind solid starting pitching from Zach Ashwood. The junior lefty did not allow a run until Aaron Miller’s two-run home run chased him in the top of the sixth.
Ashwood went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits, while walking three and striking out a pair.
The Jayhawks built the lead on junior John Allman’s two-run homer in the fifth inning and Robby Price’s RBI ground out.
However, the Bears cut the lead to 3-2 on Miller’s home run and tied the game on an unearned run in the seventh, setting the stage for Price dramatics.
Sophomore Paul Smyth earned the win, retiring the final two Baylor hitters in the ninth. Freshman Wally Marciel allowed just one hit and the unearned run in his three innings of relief.
Four different Jayhawks collected multiple hits in the game, including Brock Simpson, who went 3-for-4 with a run scored.
In the second game, sophomore Andy Marks struck out eight and walked none, but was once again done in by the home run. Marks gave up five hits in six innings of work, however three of them were round-trippers.
KU’s offense collected nine hits, but could only manage two runs. Robby Price went 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Kyle Murphy was 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Sunday marked the fifth time this season KU has played in a doubleheader. The Jayhawks have swept two and split three of them.
The Jayhawks will travel to No. 11 Wichita State Wednesday at 7 p.m.
