Kona, Hawaii ? Junior Kodiak Quick threw a complete-game shutout, and Sean Richardson had two hits and two RBIs, lifting Kansas University’s baseball squad to a 4-0 season-opening victory Saturday over Hawaii-Hilo at Simmons Field.

The first two Vulcan batters reached on a single and an error in the first inning, but Quick retired 23 of the next 24 hitters before allowing two base-runners in the ninth. Quick had eight strikeouts, helping the Jayhawks win their season opener for the first time in the Ritch Price era and giving KU its first shutout since 2003.

“I felt really confident today,” Quick said. “I was able to keep the ball down low in the zone, and I had a lot of confidence in my defense behind me. I was able to go out there and let them put the ball in play and let the defense work behind me. It’s nice to get the first win of the season under our belt.”

The Jayhawks (1-0) first scored in the second inning. Catcher Sean Richardson singled and advanced to second on a Hilo error. First baseman Andy Scholl’s sacrifice moved Richardson to third, and center fielder Gus Milner plated Richardson on a sacrifice fly to right field.

Kansas added to its lead in the third inning when junior left fielder Matt Baty drew his second walk of the game and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by right fielder A.J. Van Slyke. After shortstop Ritchie Price walked, designated hitter John Allman was hit with a pitch to load the bases for Richardson, who walked to force in a run.

Richardson later put the Jayhawks up 4-0 after a home run to center. He finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

With Richardson’s plate prowess and Quick’s mound mastery, KU was tough to beat.

“Kodiak Quick was special today,” Ritch Price said. “This was the type of game that we would have lost in my first two seasons here at KU. It was really nice for him to come out and set the tone for us. This is a great win to start the season.”

KU will play a doubleheader against Hawaii-Hilo (0-6) at 10 a.m. today.