Aug. 30, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. -

The University of Kansas baseball team will play host to the Croatian National Team in an exhibition game at Hoglund Ballpark Sunday, at 5 p.m.

The Jayhawks will open their fall practice schedule on Saturday, before playing Croatia in the exhibition on Sunday. While Team Croatia will use the exhibition as a final tune-up for the European Baseball Championships, which open in Barcelona, Spain on Sept. 7. Croatia is looking to qualify for the 2008 Olympic games at the championships.

KU return seven position starters and all three weekend starting pitchers from last year's squad, which finished 28-30 overall. Kansas' roster is comprised of 21 returning letterwinners, four returning redshirts and 13 newcomers. Three-year starters John Allman, Erik Morrison and Ryne Price spearhead a veteran Jayhawk lineup. While juniors Nick Czyz and Andy Marks and sophomore Wally Marciel are expected to make up the weekend rotation.

Admission to Sunday's exhibition is free of charge to the public.