It was an overcast spring day in the Little Apple when Kansas State found itself in a four-run deficit in the eighth inning to Oklahoma. Shortstop Nick Goodwin steps to the plate with one out and makes contact, setting up runners in scoring position.
The Wildcats had two base hits tying the game at 7-7 before leading into the ninth. Pitcher Tyson Neighbors entered as the closing pitcher and sent three Oklahoma batters out at the plate.
The bottom of the ninth found multiple runners taking walks to advance into scoring position for the Wildcats, eventually leading to bases loaded and the game-winning hit from utility player Brady Day deep into right field to advance the runner on third.
With this win, the Wildcats advance to 17-8 on the season and 4-2 in the Big 12. It is the first time in 13 years that K-State starts league play with a 4-2 record and 33 years since the Wildcats have swept Oklahoma in a three-game series.
The game began with steady momentum for the Wildcats, creating an early lead in the second inning with a home run from outfielder Cole Johnson, followed up quickly by another homer from catcher Raphael Pelletier for a 3-0 lead.
It was not until the top of the fourth that Oklahoma would rally and put together a large six-run inning. Inconsistent fielding plagued the Wildcats, with the steady wind blowing through Tointon Family Stadium creating problems for the outfielders.
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Oklahoma would put an insurance run up in the seventh off a sacrifice fly, putting the Sooners up 7-3.
The eighth and the ninth went heavily in K-State’s favor, coming back from a four-point deficit and taking advantage of Oklahoma’s rotating pitchers.
K-State put together a productive weekend against the Sooners. In Friday’s matchup, the Wildcats dominated the Sooners 7-1 in harsh rainy conditions. Goodwin, Day and utility player Cash Rugely combined for five hits, four RBIs and two runs.
Owen Boerema helped lead the way in pitching for the Wildcats on Friday, recording seven strikeouts on the night.
Saturday was a back-and-forth between the Sooners and Wildcats. A beautiful spring day brought ideal conditions for hitting. Outfielder Roberto Pena’s RBI double would set up the Wildcats for the 7-6 victory in Tointon.
K-State will continue their homestretch at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, against Air Force at Tointon Family Stadium.
