KU Heads to Hammons Field for Meeting with Missouri State
May 9, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
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Matchup: Kansas (33-21, 10-14 Big 12) at Missouri State (24-20, 9-8 MVC)
Dates/Times: Wednesday, May 10, 7 p.m.
Location: Springfield, Mo.
Stadium: Hammons Field
Capacity: 8,000
Internet: GameTracker at KUathletics.com
Radio: No radio
Series: Missouri State leads 22-19
KU Coach: Ritch Price
Years: 12th season, 4th at Kansas
Record: 352-336-2, 135-108-1 at KU
MoSt Coach: Keith Guttin
Years: 24th season overall and at Missouri State
Record: 832-500 overall and at Missouri State
Probable Pitchers
Sean Land, LHP, Jr., (5-6, 5.37 ERA)
Jake Shafer, RHP, So. or Paul Marsala, RHP, Sr.
Leading Off
The University of Kansas (33-21) will travel to Springfield, Mo, to face Missouri State Wednesday, May 10. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. The game is KU’s last mid-week tilt of the season. KU defeated the Bears 19-7 earlier in the season after taking a 19-1 lead.
A Look at Missouri State
The Bears prevented a series sweep with an 8-3 victory over MVC foe Creighton on Sunday. The victory puts MoSt at 24-20 overall and 9-8 in league play. Missouri State carries a 68 ranking in the RPI and are 1-2 vs. Big 12 teams this season. The Bears carry a team ERA of 4.40 and will start either Jake Shafer (2-3, 5.56) or Paul Marsala (1-0, 5.06). Offensively, MoSt hit .276 and its 96 doubles leads the Missouri Valley.
Up Next
KU will return to Lawrence to host the Jayhawk Classic at Hoglund Ballpark. Northern Colorado and Bradley will play the first game of the classic at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 12 while KU and Bradley will meet at 7 p.m. on May 12. After Bradley and UNC play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, the Jayhawks will face UNC at 7 p.m. The classic will conclude with a 1 p.m. game between the Jayhawks and UNC Bears at 1 p.m. on Sunday. All games not involving KU will be free admission.
Quick Hits
-Starter Sean Land has struck out eight batters and allowed no runs in his last two appearances (6.1 IP).
-Sophomore Brock Simpson went 3-for-4 with three runs and three RBI in KU’s first meeting with Missouri State. Simpson was a double short of hitting for the cycle.
-KU lost in its first trip to Hammons Field, 15-6, last season.
-Kansas is 11-1 in mid-week games this season.
-The Jayhawks are 4-1 against teams from Missouri this year.
-Kansas is two conference wins shy of matching the school record for wins in the Big 12 set in 1997.
-Turn to page 6 of the game notes for more information on senior closer Don Czyz.
NCAA Record Watch
While already leaving their mark on the KU career record book, seniors Don Czyz and Ritchie Price have started to put their name into the NCAA record books:
– Czyz’ 118 pitching appearances ranks 17th all-time
– Czyz’ 115 relief appearances ranks 15th all-time
– Price’s 52 hit by a pitch ranks 20th all-time
