The Wildcats showed out at home against South Dakota State as Kansas State steamrolled its way to a 16-5 victory. Relief pitcher Andrew Evans came in to pitch 4 2/3 innings, striking out four and allowing one run in the win.

The Jackrabbits started strong and fast. The top of the first inning saw designated hitter Dawson Parry hit a grand slam to go up 4-0 early. 

K-State quickly responded. Center fielder Chuck Ingram knocked out his own home run — a solo shot — in the bottom of the first. The Wildcats gained two more runs as it trailed 4-3.

South Dakota State didn’t see another lead after the first inning. The Wildcats kept the momentum going into the bottom of the second; the explosive inning saw 11 runs from the Wildcats.

The Wildcats had three different players with two runs apiece in the bottom of the second: catcher Raphael Pelletier, center fielder Brendan Jones and Ingram. Shortstop Kaelen Culpepper earned his second run of the game in the bottom second as well.

In the top of the third, the Jackrabbits would hit another home run, but it’s the last thing South Dakota State would do all game. The Wildcats tacked on two more runs in the sixth and seventh inning to win 16-5. 

The Wildcats hope to continue its path of destruction as it focuses on preparing for another home match, this time against Missouri State at 6 p.m. Friday.