Objective number one is winning.

With an NCAA Regional berth within reach of Kansas University’s baseball team, every victory counts, including today’s and Wednesday’s games against North Dakota State (2-24).

First pitch for today’s game is 6 p.m. at Hoglund Ballpark. Wednesday’s game starts at 3 p.m.

Though lacking the urgency of a Big 12 Conference series, KU coach Ritch Price knows there’s plenty to be accomplished in the next two days. Two more victories would help. Getting the offense re-focused is big. And getting work in for the future impact players is a must.

“We get the chance to play some midweek games, and what I think that does is prepare your team to hit on the weekends,” Price said. “We haven’t been able to play very many yet, so that will give us the chance to get our bats going.”

It also is an opportunity to get seldom-used pitchers some work. Brendan McNamara (0-1, 4.08 earned-run average) will take the hill tonight, while freshman Nick Czyz (0-1, 9.20) will go Wednesday. Czyz, the younger brother of KU closer Don Czyz, has a role similar to Don’s during his freshman year. Like Don, KU coaches have high aspirations for Nick.

“We project him to be a starter a year from now,” Price said, “so it’s crucial that he gets on the mound.”

North Dakota State is finishing a road trip that’s lasted all season. The Bison have yet to play a home game in chilly Fargo, N.D., and won’t until Friday against Valley City State.

Among their losses were three-game sweeps at Wichita State, Kansas State and Kentucky.

The Jayhawks (22-13 overall, 6-6 Big 12 Conference), meanwhile, shorthandedly have won series against Missouri and Texas Tech the last two weekends. Matt Baty has returned to the lineup after suffering a spleen injury, though first baseman Jared Schweitzer (shoulder) and second baseman Ryne Price (wrist) remain sidelined.

Ryne Price could return as early as today. Schweitzer could, too, though coach Price said Schweitzer likely would be held out until Friday’s series opener at Oklahoma State.