The Kansas baseball team are nearing their first super regional appearance after a 5-3 victory over Arkansas.
The Jayhawks secured the win with four unanswered runs against second-seeded Arkansas at Hoglund Ballpark.
KU coach Dan Fitzgerald praised his team’s high level of competition, poise, and preparation.
Dietz Dominates But Jayhawks Prevail
Hunter Dietz, the Razorbacks’ starter and potential first-round MLB Draft pick, recorded a career-best 14 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. However, Jayhawk shortstop Tyson LeBlanc hit a two-run home run to tie the game in the fifth.
Arkansas’ bullpen faltered, allowing a bases-loaded walk by Tyson Owens and a solo shot by Augusto Mungarrieta, enabling KU to move ahead.
LeBlanc expressed confidence in his team, despite Dietz’s strong performance.
Cook and Bullpen Secure the Win
Sophomore right-hander Mason Cook started for the Jayhawks, pitching 4 2/3 innings and allowing two earned runs.
Riane Ritter and Boede Rahe then combined for 4 1/3 innings without allowing a hit.
Cook acknowledged feeling tired towards the end of his stint but praised the bullpen for finishing the job.
Upcoming Game and Potential Regional Final
The Jayhawks will play again with a chance to advance to the regional final.
They face either Arkansas or Northeastern.
If KU wins, they will advance to face the winner of Georgia Tech’s Atlanta Regional; a loss would trigger a rematch.
Fitzgerald noted the importance of scouting and in-game awareness to determine their next opponent and the availability of relievers.
Early Innings Seesaw
Mungarrieta threw out Camden Kozeal trying to advance to second.
Owens reached second base on a wild pitch, but Josh Dykhoff struck out.
An error by Dylan Schlotterback allowed Zack Stewart to reach second base, leading to Arkansas scoring the first run.
Dietz continued his strong performance with five strikeouts through the first two innings.
In the third, Schlotterback tripled, and LeBlanc grounded out to tie the score.
Cook highlighted the momentum shift caused by Schlotterback’s triple.
The Jayhawks will play again with a chance to advance to the regional final.