March 31, 2001

Box Score

WACO, Texas - Chris Durbin went three-for-four with two runs scored and two RBIs to lead the Baylor baseball team past Kansas State 8-7 Saturday night at Baylor Ballpark.

With the win, the Bears improve to 23-9 on the season, 11-3 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats fall to 11-16 and 13-11. Baylor now leads the series with Kansas State, 2-0.

The Wildcats got on the board first with a run in the second inning, but Baylor pulled ahead with a pair of runs in the third. Matt Williams led off with a walk and David Murphy singled to right to put runners at first and second. Trevor Mote then ripped a two-run double to left field to put the Bears up 2-1.

Baylor and Kansas State each scored runs in the fifth and the sixth and the Wildcats tied the game at four with a run in the top of the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Bears widened the gap with a pair of runs. Mote led off with a walk and Durbin doubled down the left line to set up a two-run shot to right field by Kelly Shoppach. Baylor put up two runs in the eighth, including a two-RBI home run to left center by Durbin to take an 8-5 lead.

The Wildcats countered with two runs in the ninth, but Baylor closer Zane Carlson held the lead to earn his fifth save of the season.

Baylor reliever Paul Thorp (2-0) worked two-plus innings, scattering two runs on two hits while striking out two batters for the win. KSU reliever James Brazeal (1-3) gave up two earned runs on three hits in one inning for the loss.

Of note, Shoppach extended his hitting streak to 23 games with a hit in the fifth inning.

Baylor and Kansas State meet for the final game of the three-game Big 12 series Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.