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FEATURE
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT THE JAYHAWKS
The Kansas baseball team is off to a 2-1 start in Big 12 Conference play. Here's what you can look for from some of the team's key players.
BY BEN WARD / PHOTOS BY MIKE GUNNOE
Robbie Price
.330,1 HR,
22 RBI,6 BB
The lone senior starter isn't an everyday player just because he's the coach's son. Price has been a rock at second base during his entire tenure in crimson and blue, starting 197 games in the infield - where he's on pace to be near the top of Kansas' career list. One of the best second basemen in Division I, Price also carries a career batting average of over .300.
Mr. Triple Crown is back. Since missing the first month of the season because of a fractured left kneecap, Thompson has returned to form. After an 0-for-4 performance in his season debut against Creighton, the Preseason All-American has gone 7-for-13 from the plate which Kansas hopes is a sign of more to come.
Kansas'leadoff man has excelled in his spot at the top of the order reaching base at a .513 clip when he bats to begin an inning. Lytle has found his way on base in every way possible, including getting hit by pitch a team-high 13 times.The speedster has also made the most of his chances as he's tied for the second on the team in runs scored with 25.
Brian Heere
.360, 1 HR,
-22 RBI, 16 BB
Dubbed "Mr. Smooth" by radio play-by-play man Tom Hedrick for his excellent defense in center field. Heere is no slouch at the plate either. The former Lawrence High product leads the team with 32 hits,and is tied for a team-best seven doubles and two triples.
When Thompson went down with his knee injury, Waters stepped into the cleanup spot and filled the power void for fas. His teammates and coach spoke in the preseason about how much Waters had improved from his sophomore year — Waters has lived up to the h thus far.
THE WAVE MARCH 31,2010
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN