Kansas State baseball dominated in all facets in its second matchup of the season against the Creighton Bluejays, winning 10-0 through seven innings. K-State is now 21-14 (6-6 Big 12) on the season and shutout the Bluejays in each matchup.
The game began as a pitching and defensive battle. K-State starter Collin Rothermel labored slightly early on but escaped multiple jams, stranding several Blue Jay runners through the first couple innings.
Scoring finally broke open in the fourth with third baseman Kaelen Culpepper launching a one-out RBI double to the wall in right center. First baseman Roberto Pena brought home Culpepper with a double of his own, this time into the gap in left.
Rothermel’s day ended after six innings of shutout baseball. The sophomore allowed two hits and stranded seven runners in just his second start of the season.
Pena and Culpepper both came around to score in the sixth courtesy of catcher Raphael Pelletier singling through the right side of the infield. K-State led 4-0.
Ty Ruhl came in relief for Rothermel and continued his trend of shutting down Bluejays with a three up, three down top of the seventh.
Designated hitter Kyan Lodice tagged on another run for the Wildcats in the bottom half, scoring shortstop Nick Goodwin on a single up the middle. Pena brought home two more on a single with the bases loaded to extend the Wildcat lead to seven.
Left fielder Cole Johnson then put the finishing touch on the night with a three-run walk-off home run that instigated the mercy rule.
Rothermel received the win and moved to 1-1 on the season.
Up next for the Wildcats is a weekend series against its rival Kansas Jayhawks. The Sunflower Showdown will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 14, in Lawrence.
