The Oklahoma Sooners are coming off a 2-1 home stand against the West Virginia Mountaineers claiming another series win over the weekend. Standing seventh in the conference race, the Sooners head north to face the league's worst. On the other end of the spectrum, the Kansas Jayhawks stepped out of conference play dropping two of three to Samford. They'll look to bounce back at home while the storms bear down on the state later in the evening.
With just two consistent starters hitting above the .300 mark, Oklahoma ranks ninth in the conference at the plate behind a .257 team average. Of course, Sheldon Neuse continues to lead the way with a .367 batting average to go along with 23 extra base hits. Helping out in the lineup, Jack Flansburg and Hunter Haley have knocked in a combined 49 runs. Without Haley available due to a wrist fracture, Coach Pete Hughes must find production elsewhere.
When the runs aren't crossing the plate, the pitching staff has been able to carry the slack boasting a Big XII leading 4.06 ERA. Chris Andritsos, Jake Elliot, and Jake Irvin have led the charge recently resulting in three series wins in the past four conference series contests.
These pitchers will stare down the mound at a Kansas team that seems to have found a bit of power. Over the past seven game stretch, the Jayhawks are averaging one homerun an outing. Freshman switch hitter, Ty Denzer recorded a grandslam against Samford with the game on the line earning him a spot in the starting lineup against Oklahoma.
Ben Krauth gets the start on Friday and has thrown two complete games for KU. He owns a 3.02 ERA along with strikingout 75 batters in 65.2 innings of work. Behind him, the weekend remains a mystery as the coaching staff has yet to name a Saturday and Sunday starter.
All the action will be televised on ESPN3 throughout the weekend.