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KANSAN.COM
File Photo/KANSAN
Blake Weiman pitches against Utah last year. The sonhomore allowed only three hits and one run in his first start of the year, which the Javhawks won.
Baseball's Blake Weiman fares well in first start of 2016 against the Northern Colorado Bears
▶ WESLEY DOTSON
@WesleyDee23
In order for Kansas baseball to avoid another lastplace finish in the Big 12, the team's starting pitching needs vast improvement. A majority of freshman arms made up the Jayhawks' staff that posted the worst ERA in the conference last year. If Kansas will improve this season, many of the sophomores are going to have to take a huge step from year one to year two.
On Tuesday, sophomore
lefty Blake Weiman displayed a glimpse of that needed improvement against a familiar foe.
In his first start of the season the sophomore southpaw faced the Northern Colorado Bears — a school he has connections to — and he helped give the Jayhawks their second win of the season.
"My sister actually went to Northern Colorado for a couple years," Weiman said. "So it's pretty cool to play them. I've got one buddy on the team, so it's cool
Weiman is a native of Wheat Ridge, Colo. In his seasons at Columbine High School, Weiman was selected to three Colorado High School Futures All-Star teams and was honored as the 2014 Colorado Pitcher of the Year.
to see him, but it's like playing anybody else, you want to beat them."
On Tuesday, Weiman was consistent and effective, allowing only three hits and one earned run while striking out six batters in his five innings of work.
After Bears first baseman Cole Maltese singled in the first inning to score third baseman Tyler Yamaguchi, Weiman settled in nicely. He allowed only two batters to reach base for the rest of his start.
Weiman is at his best when he keeps the ball on the ground, and he was able to accomplish that with the seven groundball outs he recorded.
"I was really pleased with Blake Weiman," Kansas coach Ritch Price said. "I think that was one of the two best starts he's made here."
season. In 2015, as a freshman, Weiman made seven starts in 21 appearances and went 2-7 with a 6.75 ERA in 56 pitches pitched.
"He has to [keep the ball down]," Price said. "His velocity isn't firm enough
to pitch with his fastball up in the zone, and I thought he did a really good job of using his changeup today and he got some rollovers on his changeup."
Weiman's first start in 2016 is a promising sign for the pitching staff. The loss of junior starter Sean Rackoski to an injury before the season started created an opportunity for Weiman to potentially join the rotation again.
I was really pleased with Blake Weiman. I think that was one of the two best starts he's made here."
More starts like the one he had against the team that resides in his home state just might help him remain in the rotation.
Ritch Price Kansas coach
While Weiman did receive a no-decision, he still delivered a solid start and showed strides from last
- Edited by Samantha Harms
Shakiem Barbel granted eligibility for next year
Usually in college sports, players can only play for a total of four years. However, this is not the case for Kansas senior wide receiver Shakiem Barbel. In a KU Athletics release on Wednesday, Barbel was granted another year of eligibility from NCAA.
DYLAN SHERWOOD
@dmantheman2011
Kansas coach David Beaty said in the release that he's very happy that Barbel will be returning for another season.
"He is a great teammate and a guy with some quality experience," Beaty said.
Beaty also said Barbel will be valuable to the program next season.
Barbel appeared in all 12 games last season, and started in two of them, at Rutgers and Texas. Barbel had 15 receptions for 130 yards with one touchdown last season. Beaty and the football team gears up for spring football beginning Sunday, March 6. The annual spring game will take place on Saturday,
April 9 at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
-Edited by G.J. Melia
Ku Athletics/CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Service wiferidge Shaikun Barbel
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