Kansas University’s baseball team has enjoyed consistent production in the batter’s box this season.

That consistency spilled over onto the mound Friday in a 16-1 win over Arkansas-Little Rock in an eight-inning, eight-strikeout performance by Ryan Knippschild at Hoglund Ballpark.

“I went out there and had command of all my pitches,” the senior lefty said. “It started in the bullpen, and I took what I had in the bullpen to the mound and did it.”

Knippschild (4-2) kept the Trojans guessing using mostly a slider and a rejuvenated two-seam fastball.

“He’s a guy that’s an outstanding competitor,” Kansas coach Ritch Price said. “He’s a strike-thrower, and he lets us play defense, and that’s what this club does really well.”

Knippschild recorded one of his season-high eight strikeouts in each inning he pitched. He didn’t allow a run until the eighth, when UALR slapped two doubles.

“The best term to describe Knippy today is special,” senior first baseman Ryan Baty said. “He’s our Friday-night guy. He’s our best guy.”

The Jayhawks (16-8-1), toward the end of a 12-game homestand, got an early jump on the Trojans (6-5) by posting two runs in both the first and second innings.

Senior Matt Tribble put any worries about extending his hitting streak aside early by getting a single in the first. His streak is 16 games.

Kansas University's Ryan Knippschild throws during the Jayhawks' 16-1 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock. Knippschild struck out eight in eight innings in the game Friday at Hoglund Ballpark.

Kansas blew open the game in the fourth with six runs off four hits. Junior catcher Sean Richardson did the most damage with a three-run double off the left-field wall.

The Trojans used five pitchers, but none had a successful outing. Starter Bennett Cromer (2-2) picked up the loss.

“One through nine, I think, you’re seeing guys adjust to this level of play and bring it every day to the ballpark,” said Baty, who helped lead his club with two hits, three runs and three RBIs.

“We’re in a groove right now, there’s no doubt about it,” Price said.

Kansas will continue its series with Arkansas-Little Rock at 1 p.m. today. KU’s Clint Schambach (1-0) will go against UALR’s Brad Cherry (1-1).

Kansas 16, UALR 1

6Sports video: Jayhawks continue winning streak

UALR 000 000 010 — 1 6 3

Kansas 220 600 06x — 16 16 1

W — Ryan Knippschild, 4-2. L — Bennett Cromer, 2-2.

2B — UALR: Rhett Hubbard, Adam Coleman; KU: Sean Richardson, Matt Tribble, Travis Metcalf.

KU highlights: Knippschild 8 innings pitched, 8 strikeouts; Ryan Baty 3-for-5, 2 runs, 3 hits, 3 RBIs; Richie Price 3-for-5, 3 runs, 3 hits, 2 RBIs; Sean Richardson 1-for-3, run, hit, 4 RBIs.