Kansas University’s baseball team rushed to a nine-run lead after four innings and held on for a 9-3 victory against Texas Tech in the deciding game of a three-game series Sunday at Hoglund Ballpark.

KU infielder Chris Manship led the Jayhawks (12-15 overall, 2-4 Big 12) with a 3-for-5 outing that included a double and three RBIs. Outfielder Tucker Tharp added three hits in four at-bats.

Kansas coach Ritch Price said he was most encouraged with his team’s recent success in driving in runners while hitting with two outs.

“It keeps the momentum in your dugout; it keeps your energy level up,” Price said. “Guys are being productive at the plate, and it leads to a better at-bat your next time up.”

That energized KU offense rocked Tech pitcher David Paiz (2-1) for five runs and four hits in 12/3 innings, giving him his first loss of the season.

Jayhawk starter Thomas Taylor (3-3) kept the Red Raiders scoreless through six innings before allowing two runs in the seventh. Taylor picked up the win and allowed seven hits and two runs with six strikeouts in 62/3 innings. Drew Morovick pitched two scoreless innings in relief, striking out one and allowing zero hits and no walks.

Price also gave credit to his pitchers for the Jayhawks’ back-to-back conference wins.

“It all starts with starting pitching,” Price said. “It’s like I just told our guys (after the game), the team that gets three quality starts is usually the team that wins a series. We got three quality starts this weekend and found a way to win the series two-out-of-three.”

Kansas’ next game will be a nonconference contest at 6 p.m. Tuesday against Creighton in Omaha, Neb.