K-State 24-17 (10-8)
Kansas State got a much-needed midweek win against Wichita State after losing all five games last week against Northeastern and Kansas. Last week, the Wildcats scored early but flattened out late in each game, so more consistent offense in all nine innings will be key this week.
Shintaro Inoue had two home runs on Tuesday against Wichita State as his sweet swing from the left side appears to be back. Inoue is a great contact hitter who can use all parts of the field to get on base, and at his best has plenty of power to hit one out of the ballpark.
Right-handed pitcher Blake Dean has electric stuff out of the back end of the bullpen for the Wildcats. Dean is typically a one-inning reliever, but can pitch multiple innings if needed. He was named to the All-Big 12 freshman team last season.
Houston 22-18 (6-11)
Houston notched a weekend series split (1-1) against Oklahoma State and gained some momentum after a weekday win over Lamar. With only 12 teams making the Big 12 Tournament and Houston standing in 11th place, the Cougars will be motivated to win and make the short trip to Arlington.
Houston outfielder Tre Broussard is a problem for opposing teams when he gets on base. Broussard is hitting .295 with four home runs, but his real threat is his stealing ability. Broussard has stolen 28 bases while only being caught twice; his ability to get in scoring position is big for Houston.
Antoine Jean leads the way for Houston as a left-handed bullpen arm. Jean made 15 appearances out of the pen but pitched in 44 innings. Impressively, in his 44 innings, Jean has struck out 80 batters — nearly two every inning.
Who to Watch:
K-State: 2B Shintaro Inoue, RHP Blake Dean
Houston: OF Tre Broussard, LHP Antoine Jean
K-State:
Average: .277
Stolen Bases: 55
Saves: 5
Houston:
Average: .253
Stolen Bases: 73
Saves: 10
