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NEWS / FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
COWBOYS UP
BASEBALL GAMEDAY
JAYHAWKS VS. COWBOYS
KANSAS OPENING PITCH OKLAHOMA STATE OPENING PITCH
Kansas hopes to overcome its recent pitching woes in Stillwater.
AT A GLANCE
The Jayhawks (25-17-1, 6-8-1) have lost three straight games, two of which they've surrendered 20+ runs. But Kansas isn't reeling despite the recent issues with its pitching staff; the team is confident heading to Stillwater, where it aims for a series victory.
PLAYERTOWATCH
Junior shortstop, Brandon Macias
The Jayhawks pitching needs to improve for them to have a chance in Stillwater, but it will go for naught without offense to support it. That will start with Macias - who has served as Kansas' leadoff hitter for the past five games. If Macias can stay hot from the top spot in the lineup, the Jayhawks should provide their pitchers with solid run support.
AT A GLANCE
BY THE NUMBERS
6-4 — Kansas' record in games started by T.J. Walz
Oklahoma State comes into this weekend's series sharing a similar result as Kansas this week. Both teams took a sound beating by Wichita State. In Big 12 play, the Cowboys are sitting at the bottom of the conference with a 5-10 record
Kansas' record in games started by T.J. Walz
13-69 Kansas' all-time record in Stillwater
1.40 Kansas' team ERA in the five games before its three
PLAYER TOWATCH
Pitching will dictate this series, starting tonight with Walz. If Walz and the rest of the Jayhawk pitchers have benefited from additional rest this week and return to form - they have a great chance of a series victory. If not, it's going to be a long weekend for Kansas.
As one of the more consistent hitters for Oklahoma State, Ginther leads the team in slugging percentage and in doubles. If the Kansas pitching struggles once again, this could be one of the players that benefit from it.
traight losses
SERIES OUTLOOK
Ben Ward
QUESTION MARK
Does Oklahoma State make the postseason with a successful series?
a successful series? Oklahoma State has been a fixture in the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments for many seasons, but the Cowboys are in danger of missing the tournament. Defeating a quality Big 12 school like Kansas would help the Cowboys in the dog fight with Nebraska and Texas A&M for the last spot in the conference tourna-ment.
BY THE NUMBERS
3 Consecutive games Oklahoma State has lost in Big 12 play this season
0-5 — Record against schools located in Kansas this season
13 — Strikeouts for Oklahoma State hitters in the final game against Texas $ ^{11} $
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