Senior Nick Faunce recorded a career high five hits, while senior Buck Afenir went 2-for-3 with his ninth home run of the season as Kansas wrapped up the regular season with a 17-7 triumph over No. 11 Kansas State May 17 at Hoglund Ballpark.

“I’m just pleased that my team fought back after Friday night and won the series.” Head Coach Ritch Price said after the Jayhawks fell 4-1 on Friday night. “The next step in this team’s development is to get beat Friday and find a way to win Saturday and Sunday, and we’ve done that now against Nebraska and we did it again here tonight. We’ve come a long way. Our young guys have matured and gained experience and they’re now legitimate Big 12 players in every phase of the game.”

The win over Kansas State gave KU its 15th conference win of the season to place fifth in the Big 12, the Jayhawks' highest finish since the conference was formed in 1996.

The Jayhawks returned to the top 25, entering the Rivals.com poll at No. 24. KU also is receiving votes in the USA Today and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association polls.

The Jayhawks also collected their 25th victory at Hoglund Ballpark this season, the second-most by a Kansas team. KU's .893 winning percentage at home is the highest in team history.

KU finishes the regular season at 37-19 and 15-12 in conference play, while Kansas State is 39-15-1 and 14-11-1. The Jayhawks are in Oklahoma City to compete for the Big 12 Baseball Championship at Bricktown Ballpark. Fans can track tournament play by visiting the Big 12 Baseball Championship page. After competing in the Big 12 Championship, the Jayhawks will learn their NCAA Tournament fate May 25. Regional competition begins May 29. Visit kuathletics.com for more postseason baseball information.