Minneapolis ? Erik Morrison clubbed a three-run homer, but it wasn’t enough as the Kansas University baseball team suffered a 6-5 loss early Saturday morning to South Dakota State in the opener of a three-game series at the Metrodome.

The loss was KU’s first of the season following five straight victories against Hawaii-Hilo to open the 2007 campaign.

South Dakota State (1-0) won its season opener thanks to a two-run homer by Jake Rogers in the top of the eighth inning off Ryotaro Hayakawa that gave the Jackrabbits a 6-5 lead.

KU put runners on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, but couldn’t push across the tying run.

KU starter Zach Ashwood allowed three earned runs in 42â3 innings, striking out seven.

Offensively, Kyle Murphy supplemented Morrison with a 3-for-3 effort. However, the Jayhawks ony managed five hits in the contest.

The second game of Saturday’s doubleheader was suspended when the field needed to be cleared at 7 a.m. for a prior commitment.

KU held a 3-2 lead after eight innings.

That game was scheduled to be completed at 5:20 a.m. today, followed immediately by the final game of the series.