Kansas baseball stuns top-seeded Texas in first round of Big 12 Tournament

Kansas baseball knocked off the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament, the biggest victory up to date for head coach Dan Fitzgerald.

For the first time in four years, the Kansas Jayhawks qualified for the Big 12 Tournament in baseball. They certainly did not squander their opportunity, as they took down the top team in the conference, Texas, by a score of 6-3.

KU’s pitching was terrific in the contest. Collin Baumgartner threw six innings of two-run ball, while Thaniel Trumper recorded a nine-out save. The victory improved Baumgartner’s record to 6-1.

Despite UT’s elite pitching staff, the Jayhawks overcame their ace, Lucas Gordon. Janson Reeder hit the most important home run of his career when he drove a grand slam to right center in the 7th. It was the eventual dagger for Kansas.

Texas came into the game with a 38-18 record and a Big 12 best 12-6 conference record. The last time the two teams met in the tournament, it was a similar outcome — No. 8-seeded Kansas took down No. 1-seeded Texas 3-2 in 2018. Kansas needed this victory more than them, as they still will receive a favorable bid in the NCAA Regionals.

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Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year Kodey Shojinaga reached base four times, recording three hits and driving in a run. LSU transfer Collier Cranford scored two runs with two base knocks.

It’s a huge win for Dan Fitzgerald and the Kansas baseball program. They’ll look to keep their season alive this afternoon vs. No. 4 seed TCU who recently blew out Kansas State 16-3. The Horned Frogs swept the Jayhawks when they met in the regular season, but perhaps KU can get lucky once more.

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