Neither the Texas bats nor the arms could get the job done Friday evening in Austin, as the Kansas Jayhawks (16-23, 4-9) beat the Longhorns 7-2 at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. Kansas starter Frank Duncan struck out 11 and three-hit the ’Horns to become the first opposing starter all year to earn a complete game win against Texas.
Texas did all their scoring in the home eighth: An Alex Silver single (after Duncan had retired 20 straight batters), a Jayhawk error and a hit-by-pitch set up a two-run hit from Brooks Marlow. Texas took no walks, and Duncan got his 27 outs against 32 batters in 113 pitches.
Texas pitching, which has been very stingy at home this year, surrendered 10 hits and five walks to a Kansas offense that ranks last in the Big 12 in average, OBP and slugging percentage. Starter Nathan Thornhill took the loss after giving up eight hits and three earned runs in four innings of work.
No. 23 Texas (21-14, 9-4) and Kansas play tonight, in Austin, at 7 p.m. Freshman right-hander Parker French (4-1, 3.31) starts for the ’Horns against southpaw Wes Benjamin (2-4, 4.31).
Follow along with all the Texas baseball action at Burnt Orange Nation.