LUBBOCK, TEX. ? For the second straight day Saturday, the Kansas University baseball team received the type of pitching performance necessary to win in the rugged Big 12 Conference.

Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, it was also the second straight time their offense didn’t uphold its end of the deal.

Texas Tech pushed across three runs early against KU starter Zach Ashwood, and the Jayhawks didn’t have much of an answer, falling 3-1 at Dan Law Field.

Ashwood (3-4) and reliever Andres Esquibel each threw four innings, combining to limit the Red Raiders (23-16 overall, 7-9 Big 12) to just six hits. However, Texas Tech got the big hit it needed in the second inning on a two-run triple by Doug Thennis, who then crossed the plate on an RBI groundout for a 3-0 lead.

Meanwhile, KU (19-25, 5-12) experienced little success against Texas Tech starter Colt Hynes. The Jayhawks answered with their lone run in the top of the third courtesy of an RBI double by Robby Price, plating Matt Berner, who doubled to open the inning.

KU actually outhit the Red Raiders, 8-6, with right fielder Brock Simpson and designated hitter Joe Servais picking up two hits apiece. However, Hynes (3-4) and reliever Travis Young combined to hold the Jayhawks scoreless over the final 62â3 innings.

KU will look to continue its habit of taking one game in each conference series when the two teams meet in the finale of the three-game set at 1 p.m. today.