K-State Baseball Shines in Series Clincher Against UCF with 8-6 Win
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State Wildcats showcased their talent and tenacity this past Sunday at Tointon Family Stadium, overcoming the UCF Knights in a thrilling 8-6 series-clinching victory. Leading the charge was Lincoln Sheffield, the Wildcats’ starting pitcher, who delivered an impressive seven innings of one-run ball, guiding K-State to their fourth conference series win of the season.
A Clash of Titans
With this victory, K-State now stands at 23-12 overall and 10-5 in Big 12 play, positioning them firmly in a tie for third place in the league standings.
Head coach Pete Hughes, now in his seventh year at the helm, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, particularly following a challenging match on Friday. “As a head coach, you want your kids to be tough, and toughness is often defined by how you handle adversity,” Hughes said. His leadership was instrumental today, marking his 115th home victory with the Wildcats.
“They brought great energy out of the gates today," he added, reflecting on the team’s resilience.
Sheffield’s Stellar Performance
Sheffield continued to solidify his role as a key player, earning his fifth victory of the season and significantly enhancing his record to 5-3. He dazzled from the mound, striking out five batters, walking only one, and retiring 17 consecutive batters at one point, with just two hits allowed throughout his dominant outing.
"We got a phenomenal start from Lincoln Sheffield, and we all fed off Lincoln’s start. That is the storyline of today’s game," noted Hughes.
While Sheffield’s scoreless efforts came to an end in the seventh after a solo homer from Antonio Jimenez, his performance laid the groundwork for the Wildcats’ offensive explosion.
A Wild Finish
Despite leading 8-1, UCF meandered back into the game, scoring six unanswered runs in the final three frames, culminating in a nail-biting ninth inning where they brought the tying run to second base. However, with two outs and the scoreboard dimming, James Guyette was called to the mound and adeptly struck out the final batter, locking in his second save of the season.
“It’s a great series win for our program. Winning in the Big 12 is no easy feat, and today served as a reminder that games are never over,” Hughes remarked.
Hitting Highlights
The offensive effort was just as commendable, with six different players contributing hits and standout performances from Keegan O’Connor and Dee Kennedy. O’Connor shone particularly bright, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored, nearly completing the cycle by falling just a triple short. Meanwhile, Kennedy delivered a game-changing three-run blast in the second inning, racking up three RBIs.
Both players contributed to K-State bringing their season total of home runs to 61, marking the 19th game this season where they achieved two or more home runs.
"I can’t emphasize enough how vital our community’s support is for this program,” Hughes said. “What we experience here is truly unique and our players should never take it for granted."
How It Unfolded
The Wildcats established a momentum early on, powered by Sheffield’s dominance on the mound. It all began in the second inning when O’Connor and Kyan Lodice were both issued walks, allowing Kennedy to enter the spotlight. He delivered a 410-foot home run that cleared the bases, quickly shifting the game’s dynamics.
The scoring frenzy escalated in the fifth, where multiple players showcased their hitting prowess, resulting in four runs crossed over the plate and driving K-State’s lead to 8-0.
However, UCF refused to back down, igniting a late-game rally with their own six-run offensive push. Still, Guyette’s clutch performance in the ninth was crucial in sealing the series win.
Inside the Box Score
- K-State’s Line: 8 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors, 4 men left on base.
- UCF’s Line: 6 runs, 8 hits, 2 errors, 4 men left on base.
- Sheffield’s Stats: 7 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts.
- Guyette’s Contribution: Finished the game with his second save of the year.
- UCF’s Hartley: Took his first loss of the season after allowing four earned runs in three innings.
- O’Connor’s Final Stats: 3-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs, while Kennedy went 2-for-4 with a game-high three RBIs.
Looking Ahead
K-State now sets its sights on a five-game road trip, kicking off with two contests against Northeastern in Boston, Mass. (April 15-16). Soon after, they’ll gear up for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against the University of Kansas starting April 18 in Lawrence.
Eager to witness the action firsthand? Single-game tickets for K-State baseball are currently available. For purchasing, learn more here.
This thrilling victory not only reinforces Kansas State’s status in collegiate baseball but also exemplifies the passion and commitment of their players, staff, and supporters. There’s no doubt – the Wildcats are on a strong journey this season, and fans won’t want to miss what’s next!
