The Kansas State Wildcats couldn’t stop the proficiency of the No. 16 Kansas Jayhawks on both sides of the field, leading to an 18-6 loss. 

The Jayhawks’ bats were hot, scoring in six of the seven innings and leading to a deficit the Wildcats couldn’t come close to combating. Kansas started with a 9-0 lead against K-State after two appearances at the plate before the Wildcats put up three runs to help close the deficit. 

Despite the effort, the Jayhawks continued their expertise in the box, adding on four more runs across the fourth and fifth innings. 

While K-State was able to find gaps at times, nothing solid would land besides a two-run homer from Shintaro Inoue in the bottom of the fifth. 

The Wildcats battled through the sixth and seventh innings, but were not able to stop the surge, as the Jayhawks hit two homers along with a two-RBI double. 

“KU was productive with runners in scoring position, specifically with two outs,” K-State head coach Pete Hughes. “We had our chances with men on base, and we had our chances to play clean defense, unfortunately we didn’t tonight – good thing it’s not a winner take all. Our guys will be back tomorrow and motivated to get back in the series.”

K-State only went through three pitchers on the night. James Guyette, who started on the hill, took the loss, moving his season record to 5-2. 

Two Wildcats — Inoue and Grant Gallagher — went 3-4 at the plate, with Bear Madliak adding an RBI and Dee Kennedy adding a double and an RBI.

K-State looks to bounce back tomorrow at 2 p.m. to tie the series against the rival Jayhawks.