Kansas (18-20, 4-8)

Offense – 2

Due to inclement weather, Kansas was unable to get in a midweek game before today’s series begins. Although lately, midweek contests have been a good source of offensive confidence for the Jayhawks, they offensive power they came up with against No. 6 Texas a week ago may last them through this weekend. Kansas ranks seventh in the Big 12 with a .288 team average compared to Baylor’s holding down the last place spot. All eight, minus the rotating designated hitter, of the Jayhawks starting position players have knocked out at least one home run, giving them a team total of 34. Kansas bats get particularly hot against Texas schools, as the ‘Hawks scored 29 runs against No. 16 Texas A&M and outscored Texas 25-23 in their three-game series last weekend. The Jayhawks (167) walk more than the Bears (144), and strikeout less (277-286).

Pitching – 2

Sophomore lefty Andy Marks (3-3) is the only Jayhawk pitcher to register on the Big 12 Conference leader board. In 49.0 innings of work, the Sunday starter has sat 60 opposing batters down on strikes. Marks, however, has also given up the most home runs by far with 11, including three to the Longhorns in his last time out. The Jayhawks 5.13 ERA ranks last in the Big 12, and although the Kansas bats have blasted 34 home runs out, the Kansas pitchers have allowed 34 home runs to match. The strikeout to walk ratio is in favor of the ‘Hawks, at nearly 3 to 1.

Momentum – 2

Kansas has not played a game in nearly a week. Unlike Baylor who was able to get a midweek game in, Oral Roberts at Kansas was cancelled on Tuesday. However, Kansas’ last two times out were more than respectable against national powerhouse and Big 12 leading Texas. The momentum coming off a 14-6 blowout victory last Saturday and nearly taking the series with a 5-6 loss on Sunday, the Jayhawks have shown their ability to get hot and stay hot—even the in the cold. Temperatures this weekend are not forecasted to rise much higher than they were last weekend against Texas. In fact, the game times for the weekend were moved to 4 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday to accommodate the frigid factor. That said, a cold-weather Kansas squad will have a definite advantage over the warm-blooded Bears.

What’s at Stake?

Battling for last place in the Big 12, the Jayhawks will have to take the series from the Bears to switch them spots in the standings. Kansas is currently dead last in the race right behind Baylor, but both hold the same 4-8 conference record. Coach Ritch Price has continually said that if his team could win five conference series they will make another trip to the NCAA tournament. If Price’s statement rings true, the Jayhawks will need to win all of their Big 12 series from here on out.

Star Watch

Sophomore catcher Buck Afenir went 4-for-9 last weekend, including a 3-for-4 performance in his first game as the designated hitter. He also drove in five runs and at .307, Afenir is one of three everyday starters hitting over .300.

Question Mark

Kansas weather. Just being able to play is in question this weekend, as all four of the seasons are in the forecast. Rain, snow and sunshine are rumored for Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

5 Quick Facts

3 — Coach Ritch Price is just three victories shy of becoming the third winningest coach in Kansas baseball history. Former coach Bobby Randall is currently third on the list, with 166 victories in seven seasons.

12 — Different Jayhawks have tagged at least one home run this season.

11.02 — Sophomore left-hander Andy Marks is averaging 11.02 strikeouts per nine innings this season.

18 — The last time Kansas took on Baylor, the Bears were ranked No. 18 in the county.

100 — Percent chance of precipitation for today’s series opener.

Top Five Pitchers

Paul Smyth (2-2), 1.65 ERA, 32.2 IP, 29 K, 8 BB, 5 SV

Nick Czyz (2-5), 4.41 ERA, 51.0 IP, 51 K, 23 BB

Andy Marks (3-3), 6.98 ERA, 49.0 IP, 60 K, 20 BB

Wally Marciel (3-2), 5.34 ERA, 32.0 IP, 27 K, 12 BB

Zach Ashwood (3-3), 6.08 ERA, 47.1 IP, 43 K, 25 BB

Top Five Hitters

John Allman- .349, 27 R, 44 H, 1 HR, 27 RBI

Kyle Murphy- .319, 35 R, 44 H, 3 HR, 19 RBI

Buck Afenir- .307, 16 R, 27 H, 5 HR, 23 RBI

Erik Morrison- .296, 28 R, 42 H, 6 HR, 31 RBI

Ryne Price- .296, 34R, 37 H, 7 HR, 22 RBI