K-State 22-14 (7-8)
After a rough stretch, Kansas State baseball regained momentum. Defeating Northeastern 9-8 in extra innings, the Wildcats secured a big RPI win after suffering a sweep to Oklahoma and a loss to UCONN. Despite pitching struggles, highlighted by blowing a 7-0 lead against Northeastern, the Wildcats’ offense remains strong. With a top 50 RPI, an emphasis since last season, a strong series against Oklahoma State could boost the team’s ranking further.
No. 15 Oklahoma State (10-5)
The Oklahoma State Cowboys won seven of eight before falling to Dallas Baptist 8-7. The offense led the way for much of the season, but notably scored eight or more runs in its last seven wins. With the ERA in the Big 12, pitching is crucial to its No. 15 ranking. The Cowboys’ three most common starters all post ERAs below 4.00.
Matchup to Watch: K-State bats vs. Cowboy starters
Second baseman Brady Day consistently dominates for K-State’s offense. Leading the team in AVG., RBI, hits and OB%, strong play from the potential future Atlanta Brave is crucial. If he struggles, shortstop Kaelen Culpepper and outfielder Chuck Ingram — respectively second and third in AVG. — must step up.
The batters’ toughest battle will come early against Oklahoma State because of its strong starting pitchers. Brian Holiday, Sam Garcia and Janzen Keisel all pitch below a 4.00 ERA with Keisel leading at 2.64. The trio holds a combined 9-6 record, pitching nearly 140 innings. In any game where one of them starts, keeping K-State off the board early is important with the Cowboys’ weaker bullpen and offense.
Key Players
K-State
Outfielder Chuck Ingram
Second baseman Brady Day
Oklahoma State
Pitcher Brian Holiday
Pitcher Sam Garcia
