The Utah baseball team was defeated 12-5 by No. 23 Kansas at Smith’s Ballpark on Saturday, as the Jayhawks built a commanding lead in the middle innings.
Utah’s offense was led by Santino Panaro and Kaden Carpenter, both of whom went 2-for-4. Panaro hit a three-run home run, his third of the season. Drake Digiorno and Matt Flaharty also contributed, with Digiorno hitting a double and scoring twice. Flaharty added a double to the effort.
Defensively, the Utes turned a season-high four double plays, tying the most by a Big 12 team this season. Core Jackson and Flaharty were involved in three of the double plays, with Austen Roellig starting another at third base. Cameron Gurney was involved in all four, playing at first base.
Starting pitcher Merit Jones (2-5) struck out five before being replaced by Ian Culver. Brady Joyner entered in the seventh inning, striking out four. Freshman Colby Chambers made his home debut for the Utes in the later innings.
Kansas took the lead in the second inning with a pair of runs from back-to-back singles with the bases loaded. After a scoreless third inning, Utah tied the game in the bottom of the third. Jack Kleveno hit a single that scored Digiorno, and Kleveno later crossed the plate when Jackson beat a throw to first.
The Jayhawks regained control in the fourth inning, extending their lead to 4-2. They added a four-run fifth inning and two more runs in the sixth, pushing the score to 10-2.
Utah had opportunities in the fourth and fifth innings, getting runners in scoring position but failing to bring them home.
In the ninth inning, Digiorno sparked a late rally with a double down the left field line. After a lengthy 11-pitch at-bat, Cal Kilgore walked, setting the stage for Panaro, who hit a home run just inside the right-field foul pole.
The Utes will look to bounce back in the final game of the series against Kansas, scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. MT at Smith’s Ballpark.
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