Huskers Squeak by Kansas, 11-9

May 19, 2007

Final Stats |

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Junior Erik Morrison 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI, while Preston Land drove in three runs, but it was not enough. Nebraska scored five runs in the top of the fifth and held on for an 11-9 victory Saturday evening at Hoglund Ballpark.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The loss drops the Jayhawks to 28-29 overall and 9-16 in the Big 12, while the Huskers improve to 28-23 and 13-13 in conference play. KU’s loss coupled with Baylor and Oklahoma’s wins Saturday eliminates the Jayhawks from conference tournament contention.

Nebraska’s five-run fifth inning proved to be the difference. After KU regained the lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth, the Huskers sent nine men to the plate and scored five runs on four hits.

Lost in the inning was a spectacular catch by KU left fielder John Allman. The Kansas junior caught a foul fly ball in mid-air and held on despite leaping over the five-foot high fence down in the left field corner.

The Huskers scored three more runs in the sixth to stretch the lead to 10-3. Not fazed, KU came back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Juniors Brock Simpson and Casey Larson collected RBIs in the inning, while the Jayhawks scored their third run on a double play.

KU fought back to within 11-8 and loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh. However, NU relief pitcher Thad Weber got Larson to strike out to end the threat. The Jayhawks hit into two double plays to kill rallies in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Morrison led the offense, going 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored and an RBI, while Kyle Murphy and Ryne Price each had two hits and scored twice.

Land drove in three runs with a two-run double in the fourth and a bases loaded walk in the seventh.

Kansas will complete the regular season with a 5 p.m. game against Nebraska Sunday at Hoglund Ballpark. The Jayhawks will recognize four senior players with a short ceremony prior to the game.