Jayhawks Drop Series Finale to No. 20 Missouri, 4-3
May 15, 2005
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Jayhawks left six men on base and grounded into a season-high three double plays as the University of Kansas baseball team was unable to win its third consecutive Big 12 series as it fell to No. 20 Missouri, 4-3, on Sunday at Taylor Stadium in Columbia, Mo.
The loss drops KU’s overall record this season to 34-25 and 9-14 in Big 12 play, while Missouri improves to 34-17 and 14-10 in league action.
The Jayhawks wasted no time jumping out in front in the contest, as they plated a pair of runs in the top of the first inning. Junior centerfielder Matt Baty led off the game with a walk and scored two batters later when left fielder A.J. Van Slyke hit a ground ball, which was misplayed by MU second baseman Trevor Helms. Following a Gus Milner double, senior catcher Sean Richardson plated the second KU run of the inning on a sacrifice fly to left field.
Senior designated hitter Andy Scholl made the KU lead 3-0 as he led off the second inning with a solo home run to right centerfield. The home run was the fifth of the season for Scholl and gave the Jayhawks 58 as a team, tying them for fourth most by a Kansas team in a single season.
The Tigers were able to tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the third inning as they plated three runs on only one hit and took advantage of an error, two walks and a hit batter.
Kansas was able to get the lead off runner on base in each of the first six innings of the contest, but was unable to score beyond the second inning. In addition to the three doubles, two Jayhawks were erased in a strikeout/caught stealing twin killing in the sixth inning.
KU starter Kodiak Quick pitched into the eighth inning before reliever Don Czyz replaced him after allowing a leadoff single. For the game, Quick tossed seven innings and allowed two earned runs on four hits, while striking out six and walking six.
Missouri was finally broke tie in the bottom of the eighth inning when it pushed across a run on a bases-loaded walk issued by Czyz (3-4).
Kansas baseball is back in action next weekend when it hosts Oklahoma State at Hoglund Ballpark in the final regular season series of the year.
