Ann Arbor, Mich. ? Kansas University junior outfielders Michael Suiter and Dakota Smith combined for five RBIs in a six-run ninth inning that lifted the Jayhawks over Michigan, 8-2, on Saturday.
With the game tied at 2-2, Kansas began the ninth inning by loading the bases. Connor McKay crossed home plate for the go-ahead run when Tommy Mirabelli was hit by a pitch. Suiter padded KU’s lead with a two-run infield single and Smith followed with a three-run homer over the left field wall.
The Jayhawks (34-21, 15-9) scored all of their runs in the final two innings. Colby Wright started the surge in the top of the eighth with a two-out single that tied the game, 1-1.
Wright advanced to second base on a wild pitch, then scored after a UM error on a Suiter ground ball.
Pitchers Frank Duncan and Jordan Piche’ worked the first seven innings for KU, limiting UM to one hit in the first five. Reliever Drew Morovick (9-3) picked up the victory in a one-hit, one-run eighth inning.
The Jayhawks face the Wolverines (27-27-1) again at noon today.
Kansas 000 000 026 — 8 5 2
Michigan 000 000 110 — 2 6 2
W — Drew Morovick, 9-3. L — Jacob Croenworth, 2-3.
2B — Connor McKay, Kansas. HR — Dakota Smith, Kansas.
KU highlights — Frank Duncan 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K; Smith 1-for-3, 3 RBI; Michael Suiter 1-for-4, 2 RBI.
