Texas next test for reeling KU

? Texas University’s tradition-rich baseball program isn’t invincible. Missouri proved that last weekend when the Tigers tripped the Longhorns twice.

Now it’s Kansas University’s turn.

Kansas and Texas are scheduled for a three-game weekend series starting at 6:15 tonight at Disch-Falk Field on the UT campus. Games also are set for 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.

“We’ll look at it as an opportunity,” KU coach Ritch Price said.

All three contests will be broadcast on KLWN 1320.

Texas has won 43 of its 51 starts and is ranked No. 2 nationally. On the flip side, Kansas is 26-26-1 and has struggled mightily in the Big 12 Conference. The Jayhawks are in last place with a 2-15 conference record.

Obviously, the Longhorns — 25-3 at home this spring — will be heavily favored, but KU has been down that road before.

“In this conference,” Price said, “we’re the underdogs every time we’re on the field.”

Although the Jayhawks have won only two league games, there have been a couple of bright spots. Catcher Sean Richardson is hitting .359 in conference contests and has stroked seven home runs. Also, first baseman Ryan Baty is hitting .338 in Big 12 games.

Junior third baseman Travis Metcalf, who broke the KU career home run record on Tuesday, needs just one homer to become the single-season leader. He currently is tied with Russ Blaylock, who hit 17 homers in 1981. Four of Metcalf’s 17 homers have been against Big 12 pitching.

As a team, however, the Jayhawks are hitting only .263 against conference foes. Only Kansas State (.214) has a lower average.

KU’s primary woes have been on the mound, however. Kansas hurlers have surrendered more hits, more home runs and more walks than any other Big 12 staff. KU’s team earned-run average in the 17 league games is a bloated 8.35.

All three of KU’s scheduled starters in the Texas series are left-handers. Price has tapped Ken Livesey (1-2, 6.75 ERA) to start tonight. The Saturday choice is Mike Zagurski (3-3, 5.20).

On Sunday, staff workhorse Ryan Knippschild (5-7, 5.64) will make his 18th start of the season.

KU’s next home game will be Tuesday night against Oral Roberts.