CINCINNATI, Ohio – K-State made history Saturday at UC Baseball Stadium, achieving the most conference wins in a season after defeating Cincinnati 9-5. The Wildcats now have 17 wins in Big 12 play, surpassing the previous record held since 2013.
This victory marks K-State’s sixth straight season with a winning record, finishing this year at 31-23 overall. Head coach Pete Hughes praised his team’s composure in a high-pressure game, saying, “They set the tone early… Great offensive efforts by Seth Dardar and David Bishop were key.”
David Bishop had an outstanding game, driving in five runs, including a three-run homer early on. He’s a senior from Marietta, Georgia, and ended with a tally of 2-for-5 at the plate. Seven other players contributed to the Wildcats’ 12 hits, showcasing a strong lineup. Dardar was especially impressive, going 3-for-4 with his 12th homer.
Pitcher Tazwell Butler was pivotal. He threw five scoreless innings after taking over from starter Lincoln Sheffield, limiting the Bearcats to just two hits. Hughes named Butler the MVP of the game, praising his poise and ability to handle pressure.
K-State wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. They grabbed an early lead in the first inning, thanks to Keegan O’Connor’s double. They kept building momentum, scoring five runs in the second inning alone, which included crucial hits from Bishop and Dardar.
As they prepare for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship in Arlington, Texas, K-State looks to carry this energy forward. The championship field will be revealed after the conclusion of the conference’s final games.
Game Highlights
- K-State scored 9 runs on 12 hits.
- Cincinnati scored 5 runs on 11 hits.
- Both teams made solid contributions, but K-State took control early.
With their impressive performance this season, K-State aims to make a strong push in the upcoming championship. This historic win not only showcases their talent but also sets a clear goal for the future: continued excellence in the Big 12.
Additional Insights
Recent trends in college baseball show an increasing emphasis on offensive skills, and K-State’s ability to consistently hit multiple home runs plays into that narrative. According to the NCAA, teams scoring first in games have a significant edge, and K-State’s quick starts have contributed to their success this season. As this wildcat team heads into the postseason, they will need to maintain that aggressive approach if they want to make a deep run.
For more on college baseball trends, you can check out reports from the NCAA.