He was disappointed, sure.

But it didn’t long for Kansas University baseball coach Ritch Price to put his team’s 4-0 loss to Wichita State on Wednesday in perspective.

“This is a great place to play,” Price said, “but it’s all about being ready to play Friday night.”

The No. 24 Jayhawks (20-12, 4-5) return to Big 12 Conference action tonight, taking on No. 26 Texas Tech in the first of three games at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is 6 p.m.

Though Kansas missed out on its opportunity to sweep the Shockers, the fact remains the Jayhawks were saving themselves for the more important conference games over the weekend.

Second baseman Ryne Price was held out of the contest, and closer Don Czyz stayed in the bullpen in preparation for Tech.

“We’ve got conference up Friday night,” Kansas senior Matt Baty said, “and that’s what really matters.”

Baty, who returned against Wichita State after an 18-game absence due to a lacerated spleen and kidney, should provide a spark at the top of the Jayhawk lineup.

The senior admitted to being a bit nervous in his first at-bat Wednesday.

“I had butterflies in my stomach, but it was good to be back,” Baty said. “It was a long time coming.”

The center fielder has five doubles and seven RBIs in his seven career games against Tech.