Kansas University baseball coach Ritch Price scheduled tough matchups in for his team’s nonconference schedule for a reason.
He knew that once Big 12 Conference play started, his team would have to be ready to play some of the nation’s best teams. The first of such contests begins with KU’s Big 12 opener against No. 16 Nebraska at 3 p.m. today at Hoglund Ballpark.
“I deliberately did that (scheduling a difficult early season schedule),” Price said. “I’m hopeful the gain of that will take place in conference play.”
Although KU lost all its games against its toughest opponents to date — Stanford, Mississippi State and Southwest Missouri State — the Jayhawks are hopeful they can reverse the tide as they enter the three-game series against the Cornhuskers riding a seven-game winning streak.
But whether the Jayhawks can improve upon last year’s 7-19 conference record depends heavily on whether a lineup laden with talented — albeit inexperienced — freshmen can handle the rigors of a Big 12 schedule that offers no easy contests.
Price said he was confident with how his freshmen had developed at this point in the season.
“I feel like we’ve made significant progress. I’ve really been pleased with the development of our freshmen,” Price said. “It usually takes 25 games before they become legit Division One players, and right now I’d say we’re right on schedule.”
Specifically, Price pointed out the play of Ryne Price and Erik Morrison, both of whom see significant playing time.
Morrison hasn’t had much success at the plate, but Ritch Price said he had shined defensively, lending a hand in five double plays from third base.
| Who: Kansas vs. NebraskaWhen: 3 p.m. todayWhere: Hoglund Ballpark |
Ryne Price enters today’s game with a .315 batting average that includes eight extra-base hits and 21 RBIs. If he’s not getting aboard on hits, he’s been able to draw a team-leading 21 walks.
KU will need hitters like Price — one of nine Jayhawks batting above .300 — against a stout Nebraska pitching staff.
The Cornhuskers’ staff has posted a 1.92 earned-run average through 21 games. They’re led by transfer Joba Chamberlain, who has had little trouble getting adjusted to new surroundings. Chamberlain has posted a 0.82 ERA through 322/3 innings.
Price said the squaring-off between the Jayhawks’ bats and the Cornhuskers’ underrated arms could make the difference in the series.
“I think what gets overlooked about Nebraska is what they’ve done on the mound,” Price said. “Certainly to beat them, you’ve got to match what they do as a pitching staff.”
It will be a tall order for KU’s offense to fill, as its team batting average of .318 will have to reconcile Nebraska’s opponents’ average of .203.
The biggest batsman for either team likely will be Alex Gordon, who’s posted a staggering .427 batting average. His production is punctuated by half of his base hits going for extra bases, including seven home runs.
6Sports video: Jayhawks to face Nebraska in Big 12 opener
KU-NU game notes