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MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State Wildcats kicked off their Big 12 conference play with a nail-biting 7-6 victory over the Utah Utes on Friday. The win not only marked a strong start to their conference schedule but also snapped a two-game losing streak for the Wildcats.
The game, delayed by an hour due to high winds, saw both teams enter with losing streaks from non-conference play. Utah came in with an 11-5 overall record, while Kansas State was 9-7. The Wildcats maintained their undefeated record at Tointon Family Stadium, where they have yet to lose this season.
In the early innings, both teams showed aggression. The Wildcats took an early lead with two runs in the first inning, thanks to back-to-back RBIs. Utah managed a single run in the same inning. The second and third innings were scoreless for both teams, with strong defensive plays from both sides.
The game intensified in the sixth inning when Utah loaded the bases against Kansas State pitcher Jacob Frost. The Utes scored two runs before Wildcats reliever Blake Dean shut them down. Kansas State responded with a double from center fielder Kyan Lodice, who battled through five consecutive foul balls, setting up a run that narrowed Utah's lead.
Utah extended their lead in the eighth inning with a home run, but the Wildcats refused to back down. In the bottom of the eighth, freshman AJ Evasco secured a run for Kansas State, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
In the final inning, the Wildcats capitalized on a Utah error, turning a double into a triple for Keegan O'Connor. Shintaro Inoue and Bear Madliak then hit consecutive home runs, securing the 7-6 victory for Kansas State.
The win showcased the Wildcats' resilience, overcoming a two-game losing streak and a late deficit. However, they acknowledged areas for improvement, including reducing walks and adapting to defensive alignments. The next two games in their series against Utah will be crucial for Kansas State to demonstrate their potential for a strong season.
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