K-State 21-10 (7-5)
Kansas State grabbed a much-needed win Wednesday night against Wichita State. In a style unlike it’s previous wins, the Wildcats won with clutch pitching and bunting with some blooper hits. For much of the season, the offense carried K-State while pitching ebbed and flowed. Four hitters lead the offense, standing over a .300 batting average with second baseman Brady Day front running at .398. If the pitching can use the Wichita State win as a boost, the Wildcats can play with anyone in the Big 12.
Oklahoma 18-14 (8-4)
The Oklahoma Sooners’ season is a mix of ups and downs. After starting 14-7, Oklahoma lost seven of its last eleven games, including falling in a series sweep against the surging Lamar. Once a Top 25 team, the Sooner bats do much of the work, ranking third in batting average in the Big 12 — one spot behind K-State. With struggles at the mound, the Sooners and Wildcats face similar strengths and weaknesses in the three-game series.
Matchup to Watch: Strong offenses vs. inconsistent pitching
K-State and Oklahoma’s seasons align closely through over 30 games each. While the offenses are second and third in conference batting average and each top five in most offensive categories, the pitching lags behind. The Sooners rank eighth in the Big 12 with a 5.35 ERA as the Wildcats land 11th with a 5.65 ERA.
K-State’s offense found both speed and power. While leading the Big 12 in triples and stolen bases, the Wildcats are still top five in home runs, with 46 this season. Aggressive hitting and base running kept an inconsistent pitching rotation. With only two pitchers who have pitched double digit innings to reach an ERA below four, the Wildcats’ bats are needed for most victories.
Oklahoma’s season follows a similar pattern. Five Sooner pitchers with double digit innings have an ERA below four, but two regular starters’ ERAs expand beyond six. Meanwhile, four batters all batting above .300 lead the Oklahoma offense.
One of two elements will determine the winner of the series: what team can provide a spark in pitching, or which bats can outlast the others.
Key Players
K-State
Second baseman Brady Day
Pitcher Tyson Neighbors
Oklahoma
Infielder Jackson Nicklaus
Pitcher Kyson Witherspoon
