HILO, Hawaii ? Kansas University’s baseball squad split its first two games of the young season early Saturday morning, falling to Hawaii-Hilo, 7-3, then rallying for a 9-5 victory in the nightcap at Wong Stadium.
In the first game, KU outhit the Vulcans, 9-8, but a three-run third inning chased Jayhawk pitcher Chris Smart and powered Hilo to victory. Ritchie Price led KU at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Smart (0-1) earned the loss, allowing six runs and six hits in three innings.
The Jayhawks played better in the second game, and a six-run fifth ensured KU’s victory. Six Jayhawks had RBIs in the game — Andy Scholl led KU, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs.
Don Czyz (1-0) earned the win in relief of starter Ryan Knippschild, who allowed four runs on five hits in three-plus innings.
The Jayhawks played one game against the Vulcans late Saturday night, and will play doubleheaders at 6 p.m. CST today and 4 p.m. Monday to finish the seven-game series.
