Junior second baseman Robby Price had an RBI single in the seventh inning and the Kansas bullpen was perfect again as it knocked off No. 1 Texas for the second time in two days. After a 5-4 victory on Friday, the Jayhawks won 4-3 Saturday afternoon at Hoglund Ballpark

““It’s a great feeling. Obviously, we’ve played a really difficult non-conference schedule in preparing for Texas and Texas A&M our first two weekends of conference play,” coach Ritch Price said in a statement. “I think it’s paid off for us.”

Sophomore starter T.J. Walz went five and one third innings before being pulled out of the game. Walz’s innings were quality work though, with three his magic number as he gave up three runs, three walks, three hits, and had three strikeouts.

Price said couldn’t be more satisfied with what his young rotation has done so far this season.

“I couldn’t ask for any more," he said. "They’re an outstanding offensive club. They battle and compete on every pitch. It seemed like they had runners on base every inning from the sixth on, but we were able to get out of it.”

The bullpen was once again stellar as Kansas (12-7, 2-0) warded off possible Texas (14-5, 2-3) rallies throughout the latter innings, especially the ninth.

Senior closer Paul Smyth looked to be well on his way to his fifth save but then gave up back-to-back hits, including a double, to put runners on second and third with two outs.

But he was able to get a harmless fly-ball out to right field, and secured the series victory against the top ranked team in the country.

“Psychologically this was crucial for him after he’s had a couple of hiccups along the way,” Price said. “At some point that can start to get in your head a little bit, but he’s one of the most competitive guys we have.”

Kansas collected 10 hits in the contest, with hitters one through eight collecting at least one hit to provide just enough offense to get the victory.

For Price, it all came back to his closer Smyth. After blowing his first two saves of the season, Smyth has returned to form, securing five saves in a row.

“I don’t think anyone’s happier for him than I am,” Price said. “It just shows how tough and competitive he is to bounce back after a couple of tough outings.”

— — Edited by Andrew Wiebe