Kansas State University Baseball: A Historic Start to the Season
MANHATTAN, Kan. – In an exhilarating turn of events for the Kansas State Wildcats, the baseball team is making history! For the first time in 125 years, K-State is off to a stunning 7-1 start in conference play, solidifying their position at the top of the Big 12 standings. The latest victory came on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Tointon Family Stadium, where the Wildcats outplayed Texas Tech with a commanding 6-3 win.
An Unforgettable Game
Trailing 5-0, Texas Tech (8-15, 4-4 Big 12) attempted a comeback with two solo home runs and an RBI double in the fifth inning, narrowing the gap to just two runs. But K-State’s defense was ready to battle. Enter James Guyette, who took the mound as a relief pitcher, inherited a challenging situation, and managed to strike out three Red Raiders in a phenomenal 4 2/3 innings of one-hit ball.
A Game-Changing Play
As head coach Pete Hughes highlighted, a crucial 5-4-3-2 double play turned the tide in the Wildcats' favor. “Guyette is just a super talented kid,” Hughes remarked, emphasizing the impressive performance of the young pitcher. His confidence on the mound became evident, and he pivotal in shifting momentum back to K-State.
With this victory, K-State clinched its fourth series win of the season and maintained an impressive nine-game winning streak at home, marking their best start at Tointon Family Stadium since 2014.
Strong Performances by Star Players
In this thrilling matchup, four Wildcats recorded hits, with standout performances by AJ Evasco and Keegan O'Connor, both of whom delivered multi-hit days and contributed to four of the Cats' six RBIs. Evasco and Dee Kennedy each launched home runs, contributing to the Wildcats’ impressive record of hitting at least one home run in 10 consecutive games.
K-State's Home Run Machine
K-State currently ranks second in the Big 12 with a total of 48 home runs, demonstrating their offensive prowess with 21 home runs during this streak.
Recap: The Game Dynamics
First Inning: Kennedy set the tone early by leading off the game with his fourth home run of the season.
Third Inning: The Wildcats capitalized on pitching changes from Texas Tech, extending their lead with key hits from Evasco and a sacrifice fly from Seth Dardar.
Fifth Inning Drama: After several tense moments with Texas Tech closing in, Evasco's leadoff solo shot capped off the game, further solidifying K-State's dominance.
Inside the Box Score
K-State recorded six runs on six hits with one error and stranded five runners on base.
Texas Tech managed three runs on six hits, also committing one error and leaving seven runners on base.
Team and Player Highlights
Team Notes:
K-State's incredible 7-1 start in conference play marks a historical milestone.
They remain undefeated at home with a 9-0 record.
The Wildcats have now won six consecutive Big 12 series, further cementing their reputation as a powerhouse.
Player Highlights:
Evasco's fifth home run of the season adds to his stellar batting average.
O'Connor has extended his impressive on-base streak to 18 games.
Guyette logged a career-best performance on the mound, striking out four batters.
What’s Next for the Wildcats?
K-State baseball fans won’t want to miss the upcoming series finale against Texas Tech, scheduled for 1 p.m. at Tointon Family Stadium. Tune in to watch the action live on ESPN+ and experience the excitement of a team on the rise. Single-game tickets are available through KStateSports.com or by calling 1-800-221-CATS (2287).
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