Kansas State 12-4
Kansas State baseball seems to have gotten the bats rolling again just in time for Big 12 play. The Wildcats swept Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and scored 42 runs over the weekend series while the pitching did its job as well. K-State’s offense can score in multiple ways, but recently has relied on the long ball as they set the single-game program record for home runs with eight last Sunday against SIUE.
Shortstop Dee Kennedy is on a tear this season, improving his stock for the 2026 MLB draft. Kennedy has a smaller build but has plenty of power as he has eight home runs on the season. The returning junior plays solid defense at shortstop and has a strong arm with plenty of range. Kennedy already has a national player of the week award this season and will look for more as he continues his terrific start.
Starting pitcher Lincoln Sheffield is in his second season with the Wildcats and is off to a great start this year. The lefty is 4-0 in his four starts this season and has limited runs with a 4.24 ERA, the lowest on the team among qualified pitchers. Sheffield doesn’t put up big strikeout numbers but has the ability to get soft contact and keep the ball in the ballpark.
Houston 11-5
Houston has had some solid wins this season, including beating Wake Forest to begin the season and knocking off Alabama as well. The Cougars are led by their pitching staff, who collectively have a 3.79 ERA, which ranks in the top 50 across all of division one. Offensively, Houston has the ability to score runs, but could struggle against K-State starters.
Carsten Sabathia III has only played 10 games this season, but has the team lead in home runs with five and RBIs with 13. The designated hitter has recorded multiple hits in three of his last four games and has stepped up for the Houston offense with top MLB draft prospect Tre Broussard out.
The top starter for Houston this season is right-hander Kendall Hoffman, who has a 1.90 ERA in four starts this season. Hoffman stands at six-foot-six, and his tall frame can make things tough on hitters. The sophomore star has given up three home runs this season, and that may be the best way for K-State to score runs off him when he makes his weekend start.
Who to Watch:
KSU: SS Dee Kennedy, LHP Lincoln Sheffield
Houston: DH Carsten Sabathia III, RHP Kendall Hoffman
March 13-15 on ESPN+
Prediction: K-State takes series 2-1
K-State:
Total Home Runs: 25
Team batting average: .301
Team ERA: 4.11
Fielding percentage: .980
Houston:
Total Home Runs: 19
Team batting average: .290
Team ERA: 3.95
Fielding percentage: .978
