Surprise, Ariz. ? Kansas University sophomore pitcher Jon Hander made his first start since missing the 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but the Jayhawks fell to Utah, 15-1, on Friday.
Hander pitched four innings and allowed seven runs and nine hits.
“That is the first start Hander has made since his freshman year,” KU coach Ritch Price said. “The positive thing for us was he was back on the mound. He needs to get that feel for pitching again. He has a really good arm and I really like him.”
Utah (2-3) built a 5-0 lead after two innings, then scored six runs in the seventh.
Joven Afenir (2-for-3) and Rudy Karre (2-for-3) combined for four of KU’s five singles as the Jayhawks fell to 2-2.
The Jayhawks will face Oregon State at 2 p.m. today.
Kansas 001 000 000 — 1 5 3
Utah 321 100 62x — 15 17 2
W — Jayson Rose (1-0). L — Jon Hander (0-1).
2B — Kyle Hoffman, U. 3B ‚ DaShawn Keirsey Jr., U. HR — Kody Davis, Dallas Carroll, Josh Rose, Kellen Marruffo, U.
KU highlights — Joven Afenir 2-for-3; Rudy Karre 2-for-3; Owen Taylor, 1-for-3.
