Junior shortstop David Narodowski was the only Jayhawk to start in every one of the team’s first 28 games. That streak finally snapped Saturday when Narodowski had to sit with an unspecified ankle injury sustained in Friday night’s game.

Enter freshman James Stanfield.

A two-time state champion program in high school, had started only two games entering the weekend, both at second with Narodowski at short. His limited action didn’t stop him from making an impression for the Jayhawks in Saturday’s and Sunday’s games.

Coach Ritch Price said though there was “no doubt” Narodowski was missed from his spot at the top of the lineup, Stanfield did all that could be asked of him. Narodowski will likely return for either Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s contest against Iowa.

“I thought he filled in admirably,” Price said of Stanfield. “From my standpoint he played two games and he didn’t make an error. That’s the whole crucial thing when you’re the backup freshman infielder is go on the field and play defense and give your pitchers an opportunity to get out of jams.”

Stanfield, who made more of an influence on the defensive side of the game, cleanly fielded everything that came his way, and was part of a 3-6-1 double play that put a final exclamation point on T.J. Walz’ shutout performance in Saturday’s 6-0 victory.

“At first it was pretty nerve-wracking,” Stanfield said. “But once I got comfortable — I’ve played shortstop many times — so once I got comfortable it was just like any other game.”

Nerves led to a couple low throws that senior first baseman Preston Land had to pick out of the dirt. But, Price said, no damage was done. Tony Thompson, who has played beside Narodowski at third base in all but one game, said Stanfield was “awesome” in relief of his regular partner on the left side of the infield.

“Of course, Dave’s a great asset to our team, but Stanfield has come in and done a great job for us,” Thompson said. “Of course it’s nice to have (Narodowski) over there, but while he’s gone, he did a fantastic job this weekend.”

While there’s no substitute for Narodowski’s bat — he’s currently riding a 12-game hit streak and has raised his average from .279 to .342 since it started — but when he’s gone, it’s a comfort to the Jayhawks to have someone who can step in and fill his shoes.

“They said he is day-to-day,” Price said. “Obviously, we need him back in the lineup and on the field, we’re a lot better team when he’s out there, but I was pleased with Stanfield.”

— — Edited by Realle Roth