Kansas Baseball: Fall Ball Report No. 2
LAWRENCE, Kan. – A busy weekend of friendly competition surrounded the Kansas baseball team last week, as the Jayhawks held four intrasquad scrimmages from Wednesday, Oct. 16, to Sunday, Oct. 20.
Wednesday’s game turned out to be a slugfest, as the teams combined for 18 hits, six extra-base hits (four doubles, one triple and a home run), and seven runs in the eight-inning game. Sophomore infielder Colby Wright posted a 2-for-3 performance with two doubles and two RBIs, while junior outfielder Steve Goldstein launched one out of the park. Sophomore infielder Marcus Wheeler followed with two hits of his own, while senior outfielder Tucker Tharp added a triple with a run scored.
Freshman Stephen Villines and junior Colin Toalson got the nod in Wednesday’s contest, each getting an inning of work in. Villines allowed one hit and a run, and struck out two batters, while Toalson added two strikeouts on the opposite side. The pitching staff combined for seven strikeouts, two walks and two HBP and relinquished seven runs, five earned, in the process.
Friday’s six-inning game saw junior Drew Morovick and sophomore Hayden Edwards with the start, each hurling 2.2 innings. Morovick allowed five hits and five runs, one earned, and stuck out one batter, while Edwards gave up just one hit and two runs, two earned, with to strikeouts.
Four Jayhawks recorded multiple-hits in the contest, highlighted by the three-run home run by Tharp in the first inning. He added another hit to his linescore, while freshman outfielder Joven Afenir (2-for-2, with a double and a triple) and junior infielder Justin Protacio (3-for-3, three singles) were perfect at the plate. Junior outfielder Michael Suiter rounded out the foursome with two hits, an RBI and a walk.
Saturday’s linescore alluded to that of a pitcher’s duel, ended by a walk-off RBI double by sophomore infielder Tommy Mirabelli in the eighth inning. Senior Frank Duncan and junior Wes Benjamin opposed one another on the bump to start the game. Duncan threw 4.1 innings, allowing three hits and no runs, as he struck out two batters. Benjamin tossed three innings, giving up just two hits, while striking out five. Senior closer Jordan Piche’ dominated out of the pen, striking out four batters in his four innings of work.
Mirabelli’s walkoff in the eighth inning may have ended the game, however, not before sophomore infielder Jacob Boylan added two hits of his own, including a double, to the team’s total.
Freshman right-hander Jon Hander’s number was called to start Sunday’s game on the mound. He pitched three innings and allowed four hits and two earned runs, while striking out two. Toalson started as well for the opposition, tossing three innings, allowing six hits and four earned runs.
Sophomore infielder Ryan Pidhaichuk, junior outfielder Joe Moroney and Protacio had two hits apiece, combining for six of the 12 hits on the day. Moroney was a perfect 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI. Protacio was 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, while Pidhaichuk was also 2-for-3 with a walk.
They Jayhawks hit the field again Parent’s Weekend for a weekend filled of intrasquad scrimmages beginning Friday, Oct. 25. First pitch is tentatively scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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