(BCSNN) -- Kansas Baseball is headed to a Super Regional for the first time in school history after a 13–10 victory over Arkansas on Sunday evening in front of 4,007 fans at Hoglund Ballpark, clinching the first‑ever Lawrence Regional.
Kansas (45–16) earned its 45th win of the season, tying the 1993 school record for most victories. The regional title is only the second in program history, joining the 1993 team that advanced to the College World Series.
“What a night and what a regional,” head coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “Can’t say enough about the three teams in this thing. How competitive those three programs are, how well‑coached they are, how hard their players play and how talented this thing was from top to bottom. To come out of this thing on top is another mountain to climb. I could not be more proud of these guys and their teammates that are probably revving up the locker room right now with a disco ball and whatever else they’re doing. Unbelievable crowd, unbelievable atmosphere and just could not be more proud and couldn’t be more excited to keep playing baseball.”
Down 5–0 after three innings, the Jayhawks stormed back with 11 unanswered runs, matching their largest comeback of the season and securing their 25th come‑from‑behind win. Kansas also overcame five‑run deficits earlier this year against St. Thomas and Houston.
Reliever Manning West steadied the game with 3.0 innings of work, allowing three hits and one run to earn the win. Kansas exploded for six runs in the fourth, two in the fifth and three in the sixth to take an 11–5 lead. Arkansas added late pressure, but KU countered with two runs in the eighth to maintain control.
Riane Ritter and Boede Rahe closed out the final 3.2 innings, combining for eight strikeouts. Rahe struck out four over the last two frames, including striking out the side in the ninth.
Kansas’ offense delivered throughout the night. Dariel Osoria went 4‑for‑5 with two doubles and his ninth home run of the season. Tyson LeBlanc finished 2‑for‑4 with three RBI, including his 24th home run, extending his single‑season program record. Josh Dykhoff added three hits and his 16th homer of the year.
Kansas now advances to next weekend’s Super Regional, where the Jayhawks will face the winner of the Atlanta Regional in a best‑of‑three series for a berth in the College World Series.
























