Norman, Okla. ? Oklahoma huffed, and it puffed and it blew Kansas University’s baseball team down.
Playing in blustery weather conditions, the Jayhawks couldn’t hold leads of 3-0 and 8-3 as they dropped their Big 12 opener Saturday afternoon at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
With wins gusting up to 25 mph toward center field, every ball hit in the air was an adventure. The Jayhawks couldn’t take full advantage of the windy conditions, though, as Oklahoma pitchers recorded 14 strikeouts.
KU’s record fell to 6-2 overall while the Sooners improved to 3-8.
“We had way too many strikeouts on a day when all we needed to do was put the ball in play,” KU coach Bobby Randall said. “We played well at times, but we still need to play better.”
KU sophomore Casey Spanish and freshman Matt Tribble both collected three hits, while shortstop John Nelson and catcher Brent Del Chiaro added two apiece.
Nelson got the offense rolling in the top of the first, when he drilled OU right-hander Austin Mix’s second pitch of the game into the right center field gap for a double. Following a wild pitch, Nelson came around to score when right fielder Doug Dreher singled to second base. Del Chiaro then followed with his first of two hits, a two-out double off the wall in center, scoring Dreher.
Nelson belted his first home run in the top of the third to give KU a 3-0 lead. Kansas held the lead until the Sooners tied the game with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth. KU responded by scoring five runs in the top of the fifth, only to have OU tie the score again with five runs in the bottom of the inning.
OU designated hitter Charlie Frasier connected for the game winner in the bottom of the eighth with a homer to right.
KU starter Pete Smart allowed nine earned runs and 13 hits in six innings before giving way to Dan Olson (1-1), whose only run allowed was the game-winner.
The two teams will play a doubleheader today beginning at noon to conclude the series.