Kansas University’s baseball series with Wichita State has been like a soap opera in recent seasons.

The series is tied 3-3 since 2000, further showing that no matter how tradition-rich a titan like Wichita State is, all advantages are thrown out the window for a rivalry game.

The two teams will meet for the first time this season at 7 tonight at Hoglund Ballpark.

“This,” KU’s Ryan Baty says, “is big-time.”

Certainly for Baty. He, brother Matt Baty and senior pitcher Ryan Jakubov all hail from the Wichita area. Jakubov’s brother, Mathew, pitches for the Shockers and started a game against Kansas last season.

“Growing up in Wichita, you dreamed for the day you played at Wichita State,” Ryan Baty said. “If that doesn’t work out, you dream of the day you beat Wichita State.”

Baty and the Jayhawks have had their moments. Last year, KU pitcher Chris Jones limited the then-No. 8 Shockers to just one hit in seven innings of work in his second career start. Kansas won 9-1, but afterward Shocker coach Gene Stephenson lashed out against Jones, questioning his credibility and criticizing KU while he was at it. He later apologized.

Jones is red-shirting this season after elbow surgery,

WSU won the rematch 10-1 at Eck Stadium a week later, behind four home runs and a triple play.

Truth is, this non-conference matchup has been anything but dull the last few years.

Tonight, Kansas officials are expecting a near-capacity crowd. The Jayhawks’ 32-18 record gives them the most victories in a season since 1994 — with at least 12 games left to play. Wichita State, meanwhile, comes in with a 31-18 record after losing three of four to Creighton during the weekend. Both KU and WSU were weekly members of the Top 25 earlier this season before dropping out during conference play.

“Hopefully, the rivalry of Wichita State will bring a great crowd,” KU coach Ritch Price said. “We’ll see if we can get back on track.”

The first scheduled meeting between Kansas and Wichita State was last Wednesday at Eck Stadium, but it was postponed because of bad weather. That game has been rescheduled for May 7.

Kansas will play host to defending national champion Texas in a three-game weekend series. The Longhorns, first in the Big 12 Conference, are ranked No. 8.