Berner, Price Lift KU Past Baker, 11-6
April 15, 2008
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Seniors Matt Berner and Ryne Price each collected three hits, while Joe Southers chipped in a pair of RBIs as Kansas knocked off Baker, 11-6 in a non-conference baseball game Tuesday at Hoglund Ballpark.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
The Jayhawks improve to 23-16 overall, while the Wildcats fall to 10-17.
Berner and Price both played big roles in helping the Jayhawks build a 9-0 lead after five innings. Ryne Price opened the scoring in the first, driving in a run with a double to right field. Erik Morrison brought home KU’s second run with a sacrifice fly.
The Jayhawks stretched their lead to 4-0 in the third on a two-run single by Southers. The senior catcher has now hit safely in four of his last five games.
KU opened up an 8-0 lead in the fourth as Price drove in two more runs with a single. He stretched his season total to 52 RBIs on the night – tops in the Big 12. Three batters later, Berner drove in two runs with his second hit of the game. The senior’s three hits Tuesday were a career high.
After KU took a 9-0 lead after the fifth, the Wildcats made things interesting with six runs in the seventh. Dusty Griffin had a two-run single in the inning, while Baker plated two more runs on an error.
However, the Jayhawks answered again as Robby Price drove in a run in the eighth with a single to left.
Senior Hiarali Garcia was credited with the win after pitching three scoreless innings to start the game. Freshman Brett Bochy tossed two scoreless innings as well, while Max Ellenbecker and Brett Bollman finished the game.
Ryne Price led the offense, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs, two doubles and a stolen base. The Jayhawks used 21 different position players in the game and seven pitchers. Nine of KU’s 21 position players collected base hits.
KU will look to continue its winning streak with a Wednesday evening game against Missouri State. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
