Bradenton, Fla. ? Senior Ryne Price hit a tie-breaking, two-run homer in the top of the seventh to become KU’s career home-run record holder, and T.J. Walz pitched seven strong innings as the Jayhawks knocked off Maryland-Baltimore County, 4-1, in college baseball Friday evening at Robert C. Wynn Field.
The victory – with former Jayhawks and current major leaguers Tom Gorzelanny and Mike Zagurski in the stands – came hours after the Jayhawks suffered a 16-5 loss to Ohio State.
KU moved to 14-9 overall.
In Friday’s late game, Price tagged career homer No. 30, supplanting former Jayhawk – and current Texas Ranger – Travis Metcalf as KU’s career home-run leader. Metcalf hit 29 as Jayhawk.
With one on and nobody out in the seventh, Price sent a 1-2 pitch to left-center field to give KU a 3-1 lead. Senior Erik Morrison, who had two hits, singled and stole second following Price’s home run. He scored on a wild pitch to stretch the lead to 4-1 and drop the Retrievers to 5-9.
Walz, a freshman right-hander, scattered seven hits over 62â3 innings in his first collegiate start. He recorded five strikeouts.
Junior Paul Smyth earned his fourth save of the season by striking out a pair in the ninth.
Earlier Friday, Ohio State scored six runs in the top of the fifth to power past KU.
