Shockwaves

Final: WSU 6, KU 4. Khol Nanney kept the game from getting nutty with 2 2/3 perfect innings. He struck out five. The Jayhawks rallied with a solo home run in the sixth and a two-run blast in the seventh off WSU reliever Matt Smith.

WSU 6, KU 1 after four: WSU scores all six in the fourth on six hits. Clint McKeever and Andy Dirks both drive in two. Dusty Coleman got the scoring started with a double to right that tied it 1-all. Tyler Fleming is out and Matt Smith in for the Shockers.

WSU center fielder Andy Dirks will DH tonight to protect a sore throwing arm. He remains in the leadoff spot. Ryan Jones moves from right to center. Mitch Caster takes over in right.

There is already a big crowd on the hill. KU fans have a tent out in the outfield parking lot. It seems very sporting of WSU to allow rival fans to party in their parking lot. The Jayhawks are sporting three-color hats like the Expos used to wear. On the Expos, it was their deal. On KU, looks goofy.

Despite last week’s loss to Nebraska, WSU has been good in mid-week games. The Shockers are 7-1 against NCAA Division I competition. They need to keep that going to host a regional. Rainouts against OU and ORU hurt the strength of schedule.

While waiting for the first pitch, I would encourage you to check out From the Hill. WSU first baseman Tyler Hill writes each Monday and he does a nice job giving fans an inside look at the goofy stuff that goes on around the team.