Birmingham, Ala. ? Freshman pinch-hitter Ty Denzer hit his second career grand slam to carry Kansas University to a 9-5 nonconference baseball victory over Samford on Sunday at Joe Lee Griffin Field.

Denzer’s blast with no outs in the top of the ninth inning helped Kansas salvage the final game of the three-game series, which Samford won, two games to one.

“I was just trying to find something I could hit to the outfield and try not to do too much,” Denzer said. “There was a lot more pressure with the at-bat today, but I felt calm up there. I got a good pitch to hit and put a good swing on it.”

A switch hitter, Denzer entered the day with just three hits in 11 at-bats.

Joe Maroney went 3-for-6 with a three-run homer, two runs and three RBIs for the Jayhawks (17-22).

Samford fell to 23-18.

Kansas will host Grand Canyon on Tuesday and play in the College Baseball Hall of Fame Game on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium.

Kansas 130 010 004 — 9 10 2

Samford 030 002 000 — 5 15 3

W — Stephen Villines, 5-2. L — Josh Rich, 1-3.

2B — Devin Foyle, KU; Damon Waller, Parker Curry, Samford. HR — Joe Moroney, Ty Denzer, KU; Richard Greene, Samford.

KU highlights — Denzer pinch-hit grand slam; Moroney 3-for-6, 2 R, 3 RBIs; Foyle 2-for-5, 2 R; Michael Tinsley 2-for-3; Villines 3 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 Ks.