K-State 23-14 (10-5)
Kansas State got a much-needed series win over UCF last weekend to get back on the right track. However, the Wildcats dropped two midweek games this week against Northeastern before traveling to face their rival, Kansas.
Seth Dardar is back in the lineup for the ‘Cats after a minor injury made him miss the series against Oklahoma State. Dardar was a run producer for the ‘Cats this year with 25 RBI. He also has seven home runs and could add to that in KU’s hitter-friendly park.
Left-handed pitcher Jacob Frost had a rough outing last time out against UCF, but should be more motivated to pitch well this weekend. Frost has been the Friday starter for K-State all year and typically takes the role with a consistent presence at the front of the Wildcats’ starting rotation.
Kansas 28-10 (9-6)
Kansas comes off a tough weekend series against TCU where the Jayhawks got swept. KU got back on track midweek against Wichita State as KU scored 18 runs in its win. KU’s offense will try to stay hot against the pitching staff of the Wildcats.
KU is led by first baseman Brady Ballinger — one of the best hitters in baseball this year. Ballinger has 12 home runs and slashes .387 at the plate, making him a dangerous threat. He is a left-handed hitter, and with K-State usually starting three left-handed pitchers, his offensive performance could get slowed down.
Kansas pitcher Dominic Voegele was the preseason Big 12 Pitcher of the Year. Voegele hasn’t had the season he may have wanted, tallying a 6.19 ERA so far. Voegele is susceptible to the long ball, giving up 10 home runs on the season, something the Wildcats will look to take advantage of in Lawrence.
Who to Watch:
K-State: 1B Seth Dardar, LHP Jacob Frost
Kansas: 1B Brady Ballinger, RHP Dominic Voegele
K-State:
ERA: 5.49
Errors: 48
Home Runs: 63
KU:
ERA: 4.89
Errors: 34
Home Runs: 78
