ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Hunter Cranton struck out two in the ninth inning to help earn his seventh save and No. 7 seed Kansas held off sixth-seeded Kansas State 2-1 on Tuesday in the opening game of the Big 12 Tournament.
Kansas (30-21), which is playing in the tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2017-19, avenged last year’s season-ending 7-1 tournament loss to Kansas State to advance to the winner’s bracket. Kansas State (31-23) also continues in the double-elimination tournament.
Kansas broke a tie in the ninth when Lenny Ashby sent a fly ball to the wall, resulting in a triple and Collier Cranford hit a sacrifice fly to bring in pinch runner Sam Hunt.
Cranton struck out the first two batters, then got the previously 3-for-3 Kaelen Culpepper to fly out.
Kansas opened the scoring in the fourth when Ben Hartl hit a solo shot to left center for his 11th homer of the season.
Austrian leader lauds UK's efforts on migration and cites its plan for deportations to Rwanda
Federation Publicizes Top Cases Involving Women, Children's Rights, Interests
Micro Courts Provide Legal Services to Women
Association Promotes Development of Scientific, Technological Women Workers
Syrian first lady Asma Assad diagnosed with leukemia, president's office says
Hejian Helps Residents Resolve Family Disputes
Police Stations Establish Women, Children's Rights
Liaoning Helps Residents Improve Marital, Family Relations
Yinchuan Promotes Harmony Within Families
Progressive prosecutor in Portland, Oregon, seeks to fend off tough
Handan Women's Federation Helps Rural Residents Better Understand Laws