Jayhawks Split Doubleheader with Missouri

May 11, 2008

Final Stats | Quotes |

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Robby Price’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth lifted Kansas to a 7-6 triumph over No. 14 Missouri in the first game of a doubleheader Sunday. However, Missouri scored five runs in the sixth inning to take the nightcap, 12-1. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

With the split the Jayhawks move to 30-24 overall and 9-15 in Big 12 play, while Missouri goes to 34-17 and 13-11 in the conference. After action on Sunday, KU sits in seventh place in the conference standings, one-half game ahead of Oklahoma and a full game ahead of Kansas State. KU can clinch a spot in the conference tournament with a series win against the Wildcats next weekend.

Robby Price had five hits in the opening game of the day, becoming the first Jayhawk to enjoy a five-hit day since Ritchie Price on April 18, 2004. His final base knock, a line drive single to left center – which plated the winning run, capped an impressive day for the sophomore.

KU trailed 1-0 early, but took the lead on a Buck Afenir two-run double in the fourth. Missouri scored the next three runs to take a 4-2 lead, but the Jayhawks scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth on a Ryne Price RBI single and an Erik Morrison sacrifice fly.

After the Tigers regained the lead in the seventh, Kansas hit back-to-back home runs for the third time this season when Tony Thompson and Nick Faunce went deep to give KU a 6-5 lead.

Missouri tied the game again in the eighth, setting the stage for Robby Price’s dramatic base hit in the ninth.

Paul Smyth pitched two innings of relief to pick up his fifth victory of the season.

Missouri unloaded on the Jayhawks, 12-1, in the second game of the day. KU’s only highlight was Ryne Price’s RBI double in the fourth inning – after MU had taken a 5-0 lead.

KU walked six Tigers and committed three errors, which led to six unearned runs.

The Jayhawks will look to punch their ticket to Oklahoma City next weekend with a three-game series against Kansas State. The first game of the series will be Friday in Lawrence at 6 p.m., with games two and three in Manhattan, Saturday and Sunday.