In Brief
Weather forces cancelation of another game against Oral Roberts
By Shawn Shroyer (Contact)
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
Steeeeriiiike two! For the second straight year, inclement weather has forced Kansas to cancel a midweek game with Oral Roberts.
Late Wednesday morning, Kansas announced that, because of the threat of thunderstorms in Lawrence, it was canceling its game with Oral Roberts, which was supposed to be played at 6 p.m. In 2007, Kansas was supposed to play a home-and-home series with Oral Roberts, but the second leg of that series, scheduled for April 10, was called because of similar weather concerns.
With the cancellation, Kansas — baring an NCAA Regional appearance — finishes the season 21-9 against non-conference opponents. One of those non-conference victories came against the team that will roll into Lawrence this weekend — No. 15 Missouri.
On April 29, Kansas defeated Missouri at Kauffman Stadium, 3-0, in what was officially a non-conference contest. As jovial as the Jayhawks were after that victory, that game means almost nothing compared to the three games they will play against the Tigers this weekend. What happens this weekend could very well decide Kansas’ postseason fate.
Missouri, which had its game last night with Missouri State canceled, as well, will send All-American right-hander Aaron Crow to the mound against Kansas in the series opener, at 6 p.m. Friday. In 11 starts this season, Crow is 10-0 with a 3.08 ERA. Earlier this season, he had a 43-inning scoreless streak.
Kansas junior left-hander Nick Czyz (2-5) will face Crow Friday, while senior right-hander Andres Esquibel (3-4) will start Saturday and freshman right-hander T.J. Walz (4-0) will start Sunday for the Jayhawks.
Smyth Receives College Baseball Foundation Honor
It was also announced Wednesday that Kansas junior closer Paul Smyth was named to the CBF’s National All-Star Lineup for his performances last week against Missouri and Oklahoma.
Smyth was involved in all four of Kansas’ victories last week, earning three saves and a victory. For the week, Smyth pitched 7.1 innings of relief, allowing two runs, eight hits and no walks while striking out six.
Smyth is the second Jayhawk to receive this honor after Walz was named to the CBF’s National All-Star Lineup on April 23.
— Edited by Kaitlyn Syring
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