He might not have all the facts just yet, but Kansas University left fielder John Allman has seen enough to come to his own conclusion.

“We’re definitely,” Allman said, “the best team in the state.”

Maybe Allman threw out the records and rankings for a day. What couldn’t be disputed was that for nine innings, Kansas looked the part of the dominant program in an 8-2 victory over No. 13 Wichita State on Wednesday at Hoglund Ballpark.

“KU’s kind of known as a basketball school, but we’re trying to change that and become a powerhouse in baseball,” Allman said. “Hopefully we’re getting some recognition around the nation about our baseball program.”

If not nationally, the Jayhawks at least are creating a buzz locally. The game drew a school-record 2,324 fans to Hoglund Ballpark.

“I think our players fed off that energy,” Kansas coach Ritch Price said. “It was exciting to be at Hoglund Ballpark tonight.”

Kansas has taken three of its last four home games against Wichita State, and Wednesday accomplished it by leaning on the future of the program.

After a shortened start by Brendan McNamara, Price turned to his bullpen to shut down the potent Shocker offense.

Four relievers – junior Ryotaro Hayakawa, and freshmen Andy Marks, Nick Czyz and Paul Smyth – combined to pitch six scoreless innings while allowing just four hits.

“I think the fact we beat a top-20 team with three freshmen on the mound,” Price said, “speaks volumes on the future of our program.”

Marks was particularly impressive, picking up the win after going three scoreless innings in relief of McNamara.

“Andy grew up a lot tonight,” Allman said. “That was the first time I saw him on the mound with some presence, and he was confident up there.”

The Jayhawks broke open a 3-2 game in the fifth. Singles from Ritchie Price, Jared Schweitzer and Gus Milner plated a run, setting the stage for Allman’s two-run single up the middle.

Kansas added two in the sixth, with Erik Morrison, Preston Land and Allman stringing together hits.

“We started giving up runs and letting fly balls drop and throwing to wrong bases,” WSU coach Gene Stephenson said. “Down by six runs seems like 60 right now.”

Allman led KU with three hits and three RBIs. Ritchie Price went 3-for-5, while Morrison added two hits and two RBIs.

The Jayhawks will travel to Wichita to play the Shockers again next week, but first will play host this weekend to Missouri.

“We’ve got some good guys on the team, and we don’t worry about who’s in the other dugout – we play against the ball,” Allman said. “When we’re clicking, good things are going to happen for us.”