Heartstopper in Manhattan! Kansas State storms back in epic walk-off win

LF Keegan O'Connor ties school HR record in thrilling series opener
2024 NCAA Division I Baseball Regional - Fayetteville
2024 NCAA Division I Baseball Regional - Fayetteville | Wesley Hitt/GettyImages

The Kansas State Wildcats pulled off a dramatic comeback Friday night, rallying from a four-run deficit in the ninth inning to walk off with a 8-7 win over West Virginia in the series opener at Tointon Family Stadium.

Down 6-2 heading into the final frame, Kansas State exploded for six runs on six hits.

Left fielder Keegan O'Connor kept the offense rolling with a home run that tied the school record for most home runs in a single season and later delivered the walk-off single, driving in the game-winning run to cap the stunning rally.

The Wildcats finished the night with 13 hits, led by third baseman Dee Kennedy’s multi-hit effort.

Starter Jacob Frost worked 6.2 innings, giving up four runs on nine hits while striking out nine. Ty Ruhl tossed the final 2.1 innings in relief, allowing two earned runs and earning the win.

West Virginia, which collected seven runs on 11 hits, couldn’t hold the lead late, despite a strong offensive showing.

Kansas State (29-20, 15-10 Big 12) continues the conference series against the Big 12-leading Mountaineers (39-9, 18-5) on Saturday, with first pitch set for 4 p.m.

Sunday’s series finale will serve as Senior Day, with eight Wildcats — David Bishop, Jacob Frost, Kyan Lodice, Keegan O'Connor, Cayden Phillips, Michael Quevedo, Ben Rosin, and JJ Slack — being honored prior to the 1 p.m. start.

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