KU Hosts Missouri State and Tabor in Mid-Week Games

April 17, 2006

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

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Matchup: Missouri State (19-13, 5-4 MVC) at Kansas (25-15, 7-8 Big 12)
Dates/Times: Tuesday, April 18, 6 p.m.
Matchup: Tabor College (14-20) at Kansas (25-15, 7-8 Big 12) ***Free Admission
Dates/Times: Wednesday, April 19, 6 p.m.
Location: Lawrence, Kan.
Stadium: Hoglund Ballpark
Capacity: 2,500
Internet: GameTracker at KUathletics.com (Both games)
Radio: KLWN (1320 AM) and online at KUathletics.com (Tuesday only)
Pre-game show starts 15 minutes before first pitch
Brian Hanni and Jud Easterday
TV: Tuesday’s game vs. Missouri State will air tape delay on Metro Sports Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Series: Missouri State leads 18-22
Kansas leads Tabor 2-0
KU Coach: Ritch Price (12th season, 4th at Kansas)
Record: 344-330-2, 127-102-1 at KU
Promotions: Tuesday– Jayhawk Foam Noodle Giveaway and Two for One Ticket Offer (purchase one ticket at full price and get one ticket of equal or lesser value free
Wednesday — Contests throughout the game

Tuesday’s Probable Starters
Brendan McNamara, RHP, Jr.
Jake Shafe, RHP, So.

Wednesday’s Probable Starters
Nick Czyz, LHP, Fr.
TBA

Leading Off
The University of Kansas will host Missouri State on Tuesday, April 18 and Tabor College on Wednesday, April 19. Both games will start at 6 p.m. while the Tabor game will be free admission.

Quick Hits
-Kansas is 12-3 this season in games decided by a two runs or less.

-After winning his first three games against Missouri State, Coach Ritch Price has dropped the last three meetings, including both in 2005.

-KU is ranked 44th in the RPI compiled by www.boydsworld.com.

-Don Czyz leads the NCAA and Big 12 in saves with 13. Czyz also leads the Big 12 with a 1.30 ERA.

-Kodiak Quick’s four victories over conference foes are good for first along with two others (Ryan LaMotta from Baylor and Kyle McCulloch from Texas).

A Look at Missouri State
The Bears limp into Lawrence after being swept by Wichita State in Wichita this past weekend. Missouri State carries a 19-13 record including a 4-2 victory over No. 11 Arkansas last Tuesday. Tuesday’s probable starter, Jake Shafer started against the Razorbacks and pitched 6.0 innings of four-hit baseball while striking out five in a no decision. Nolan Keane (.365) and Matt Lawson (.324) lead the Bears in hitting while Drayden Drake has a team-best 22 RBI.

A Look at Tabor College
Tabor College was added to KU’s schedule due to the cancelation of the Jayhawks’ March 22 game against Creighton in Omaha, Neb. KU will host Tabor College at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19. Their will be no charge to attend the KU-Tabor game.

National Pub
On, Friday, April 14, Baseball America’s college baseball writer Will Kimmey participated in a chat at ESPN.com When a questions about the Jayhawks was submitted, Kimmey had high praise for KU. Below is the transcript.
Q: How big of an impact do you think Kansas could have in the postseason this year?
A: Kansas has come a long way, and let’s credit Ritch Price for helping rebuild the program. The Jayhawks haven’t been to NCAAs since 1994, a streak that will end this year. I’m not sure you’ll see KU get out of regionals, but it’s still going to be a fine season for an emerging program.