Kansas defeats No. 11 Texas Tech in series finale
LUBBOCK, Texas – Highlighted by a career day from sophomore designated hitter Tom Lichty, Kansas downed Texas Tech by a final score of 13-9 on Sunday afternoon at Rip Griffin Park.
Lichty, who led all Kansas (16-15, 2-7 Big 12) hitters with four RBIs, entered the game as a pinch runner in the first inning after sophomore Nolan Metcalf roped a RBI-single. Lichty laced a double and a single en route to a 2-for-4 performance on the day. The left-handed hitter also crossed the plate three times.
Freshman left-hander Eli Davis started the game on the hill against Texas Tech (21-9, 5-4 Big 12) and pitched through three and 2/3 innings. After five earned runs crossed the plate, Davis gave way to redshirt-junior Blake Goldsberry.
Goldsberry, along with redshirt-junior Nathan Barry (1-0), freshman Stone Parker and redshirt-sophomore Jonah Ulane combined to close out the game. As a unit, they pitched 5 and 1/3 innings and allowed three earned runs.
Junior shortstop Benjamin Sems had a solid day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs, a run scored and a walk. Additionally, junior catcher Jaxx Groshans recorded a career-best four walks and scored four runs.
GAME NOTES
- Junior catcher Jaxx Groshans drew a career-high four walks against Texas Tech. The last Kansas batter to draw four walks in a game was Matt McLaughlin on April 21, 2017 at then-No. 19 Oklahoma.
- Sophomore designated hitter Tom Lichty recorded his first-career triple against the Red Raiders.
- Lichty knocked in four runs for the first time in his career, and recorded more than one hit for just the second time.
- Lichty posted a career-high in runs scored with three.
- Redshirt-junior Nathan Barry picked up his first win of the season – his first in a Kansas uniform.
- Sophomore right fielder Blaine Ray tied his career-best RBI total with two.
- Senior right fielder Blake Shinkle stole two bases in the game – the first time he has reached that mark.
- Junior second baseman James Cosentino matched a career-best with three walks.
QUOTES
Head coach Ritch Price
On Tom Lichty’s performance today:
“Lichty came off the bench and had a day. All his hits and RBIs came at opportune times and it ends up being an unbelievable team win.”
On other big-time performances from other guys:
“We are starting to make some progress. We have a lot of young guys playing. It was good to finally see some of them contribute.”
On the importance to the win:
“I just told our guys, we saved our season. Last Sunday, we won against a top-25 Baylor team. We had our backs to the wall and it was an unbelievable team win.”
Redshirt-sophomore closer Jonah Ulane
On how it felt to be on the mound there at the end:
“It felt really good to be on the mound in a big situation. I was able to help give us a huge win over a great team. It was something very special and I am glad my teammates were able to put up enough runs and play great defense behind me.”
On his mentality:
“Regardless of the score, you just want to attack the hitters. You want to establish your fastball early on so you are able to work your off-speed pitches. The defense worked behind me and it was a great win.”
UP NEXT
The Jayhawks return home to play Missouri State on Tuesday, April 9. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
