Struggles continue for KU hurlers

By Asher Fusco

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

LAWRENCE - The Kansas hitters did the team's heavy lifting Sunday afternoon against No. 20 Texas A&M. Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, the team's pitching woes turned out to be an unbearable burden in the 10-8 loss.

Kansas (18-12, 1-5) fell into a 6-0 hole early but responded with a seven-run rally in the bottom of the second inning to bail out starting pitcher Sam Freeman. The Jayhawks added another run to their lead in the sixth inning, but the Aggies (21-6, 6-3) rallied with two runs in each of the sixth and seventh innings to notch the series sweep.

"They're capable of getting the job done," Kansas coach Ritch Price said. "But we've just got to get (pitching) on a consistent basis. They gave us no chance to win once the first inning ended today."

Texas A&M teed off on Freeman from the start of Sunday's tilt. The Aggies strung together a single, two walks, another single and a grand slam to plate five runs before the game's first out. Freeman lasted through the second inning, yielding six runs on five hits and three walks, but the Jayhawk hitters ensured he wouldn't be tagged with the loss by bursting out in the bottom of the second inning.

The first four Jayhawks to step to the plate reached base against Texas A&M starter Carson Middleton, prompting his replacement. Aggie relievers Hank Robertson and Scott Migl didn't fare much better, as the Jayhawks scored seven runs on a walk, a sacrifice fly, a double and three consecutive singles in the second inning.

"We racked up the hits and were able to hit around a good ballclub," Kansas shortstop Erik Morrison said. "You score eight runs, six runs a game, you should be able to win. Our main thing right now is to not give up on each other, not start pointing fingers.

Kansas skated through the middle innings on the shoulders of righty T.J. Walz, who retired nine straight hitters at one point. Walz might have lingered one hitter too long. He gave up a two-run home run to Texas A&M designated hitter Darby Brown in the seventh inning that tied the game, 8-8.

Right-hander Andres Esquibel replaced Walz and escaped the seventh without any further scratches, but the Aggies took the lead on a two-RBI single by Dane Carter in the top of the eighth inning. The Jayhawks didn't muster much of their previous magic at the plate in the final two innings, posting two singles against Aggie relievers Kyle Thebeau and Travis Startling.

The three weekend losses to the Aggies mark the first time Kansas has been swept at home since a 2005 series against Baylor.

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Middleton, Robertson (2), Migl (2), Thebeau (6), Starling (8), Gonzalez; Freeman, Walz (3), Esquibel (7), Smyth (9), Southers. W - Thebeau (2-2). L - Esquibel (2-1). S - Starling (6) 2B - Texas A&M: Colligan 2; Kansas: Land, Ro. Price, Morrison. HR - Texas A&M: Brown 2.

Records - Texas A&M 21-6, 6-3 Big 12; Kansas 18-12, 1-5.

K-State 4, Oklahoma State 0

MANHATTAN - Lance Hoge threw a complete-game three-hit shutout and Nate Tenbrink hit two home runs for Kansas State, which won a series against Oklahoma State for the first time since 2000.

Hoge struck out five and walked none, giving up a double and two singles in nine innings.

Tenbrink went 2-for-4 with two solo homers to right field. Jordan Cruz added a two-RBI double.

K-State improved to 13-12 overall and 2-4 in the Big 12.

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Blandford, Davis (7), Weinhardt (7) and Flores; Hoge and Vaughn. W - Hoge (1-1). L - Blandford (3-2). 2B - OSU: Flores; KSU: Cruz, Biery, King. HR - KSU: Tenbrink 2.

Records - Oklahoma State 18-8, 4-5 Big 12; Kansas State 13-12, 2- 4 Big 12.

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