Wildcats Spoil Senior Night

May 16, 2008

Final Stats | Quotes |

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Junior Nick Faunce collected three hits, while senior Hiarali Garcia pitched four innings of scoreless relief, but it was not enough. Kansas State starter Brad Hutt and reliever Thomas Rooke combined on a seven-hit shut out as the Wildcats earned a series opening win over KU, 5-0 Friday evening at Hoglund Ballpark.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The loss is a damaging one for KU, which dropped to 30-25 overall and 9-16 in the Big 12. It dropped the Jayhawks into a tie for seventh place in the conference standings with K-State and puts them a game away from losing control of its playoff destiny. The Jayhawks must win the final two games of the series to assure itself a spot in the Big 12 Championship.

K-State moves into a tie with KU and is 25-30 overall and 9-16 in Big 12 play.

The Wildcats became the first team to shut out Kansas this season. KU had its chances, putting men in scoring position in the first and fifth innings and left the bases loaded in the seventh.

Meanwhile, K-State scratched out runs against KU starter Nick Czyz in the second on a hit by pitch with the bases loaded, an error and an RBI single by Drew Biery in the third and a two-run single by Nate Tenbrink in the sixth.

Prior to the game, the Jayhawks honored their senior class with a short ceremony at home plate. Seniors John Allman, Matt Berner, Justin Ellrich, Andres Esquibel, Hiarali Garcia, Matt Lane, Erik Morrison, Ryne Price, Eric Snowden and Joe Southers all doned the Crimson and Blue for the final time at Hoglund Ballpark.

It was all the support Hutt needed. The Wildcat senior scattered six hits over 6 1/3 innings with three walks and five strikeouts.

Faunce collected three hits in the game, while senior John Allman went 2-for-3. KU did not record more than one hit in any inning Friday.

The Jayhawks will look to even the series Saturday with a 6:30 p.m. game at Tointon Stadium in Manhattan, Kan.