Kansas

At a glance

Despite a two to one loss to Oklahoma State last weekend in Stillwater, Okla., Kansas is still at the fourth spot in the Big 12 Conference standings. This should be the last weekend for Kansas (27-15, 7-8) without starting second baseman Ryne Price. The sophomore is continuing his recovery from wrist surgery.

Last time out

The Jayhawks spent the week at home after returning from Oklahoma on Sunday to play Missouri State and Tabor. On Tuesday, the Jayhawks erupted for a season-high 19 runs scored on the Bears and took the victory, 19-7. Kansas defeated Tabor Wednesday night, 14-4.

Player to watch

Jared Schweitzer. The senior infielder adjusted from his usual first baseman’s spot to filling in on second while Price recovers from injury. Schweitzer has made the adjustment look comfortable. He has been healing from a dislocated shoulder he suffered against Wichita State but is healthy now. Schweitzer is lethal with the bat. In his last five games, the infielder hit .450, scored eight times and drove in five runs.

Five quick facts

11 — The number of games, including tonight’s, that the Jayhawks have played in the past two weeks.

29 — Kansas has hit 29 more home runs than Kansas State.

33 — The amount of KU runs scored in its last two games.

93 — The gap in strikeouts between Kansas hitters and Kansas State hitters, with Kansas on the losing end.

0 — The number of home runs allowed by senior closer Don Czyz, the leader in Big 12 saves (13), appearances (23) and ERA (1.30).

Looking forward

Kansas must now rechannel its energy from the middle of the week in the quest to pick up its third Big 12 series victory this season. This series against Kansas State may be one of the most important of the year.

Key to victory

Pitching. Lately, the starting weekend rotation has slipped in its effectiveness and consistency. Junior pitcher Sean Land will bring his intimidating fastball and senior pitcher Ricky Fairchild will try and work out of jams by creating fly balls. Senior pitcher Kodiak Quick and Czyz are a lethal combination on Sundays — the Jayhawks have not lost on Sunday for four consecutive weeks. Kansas also has to watch the longevity of Czyz’s recent pitching appearances. He threw four innings in his closing shift last Sunday against Oklahoma State.

Kansas State

At a glance

The Wildcats are still looking for their first Big 12 series victory. Kansas State (23-10-1, 3-8-1) began the season 17-1, including a 16-game winning streak, but have since gone 6-9-1. Kansas State managed Big 12 victories against Missouri, Nebraska and Texas Tech. Texas dominated Kansas State, though, outscoring it 27-13 in a three-game sweep.

Last time out

Kansas State played at Wichita State on Tuesday and fell 7-3 to the Shockers. The Wildcats had only four hits in the game, but one belonged to senior catcher Brandon Farr. It extended his hit streak to 17 games. Freshman right-hander Todd Vogel had a rough start, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk in just two innings.

Player to watch

Brandon Farr. The senior catcher Brandon Farr was named Big 12 Co-Player of the Week last week after going 11-for-20 with four runs and five RBI in four games. He’s currently batting .367 and riding a Big 12 season-best 17-game hitting streak.

Five quick facts

.424 — Senior outfielder Barrett Rice’s Big 12-leading batting average.

1 — The number of victories Kansas State has in its last eight Big 12 games.

24 — The number of years since Kansas State ended a game in a tie before last Saturday’s 11-11 tie with Texas Tech.

86 — The percent of the time Kansas State is successful at stealing bases. The rest of the teams in the Big 12 are successful between 70 and 79 percent of the time.

1990 — The last season Kansas State had a winning conference record.

Looking forward

Only Texas A&M;’s 3-12 Big 12 record is worse than Kansas State’s. If the Wildcats lose the series this weekend, their series against the Aggies in May might decide the team that gets stuck in the basement of the Big 12. If Kansas State wins this weekend, it will still have an outside chance at passing Missouri to make the conference tournament.

Key to victory

Kansas State batters don’t strike out often and Kansas pitchers don’t record many strikeouts, so the Wildcats will need to continue to put the ball in play and manufacture runs. Kansas State pitchers can’t allow Kansas hitters, who posted eight home runs at Oklahoma State last weekend, to rack up runs.