The Kansas State baseball team is looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in the opener of their three-game series against UCF this weekend.
Kansas State suffered a 15–3 loss as UCF (19–14, 4–9 Big 12) jumped out to an early lead with a five-run first inning, capped by a three-run home run. The Knights racked up 20 hits in the victory.
"Obviously a disappointing night," Head Baseball Coach Pete Hughes said to K-State Sports. "It's Friday night, a great crowd was there tonight, and we played poorly. Credit UCF for coming out and swinging the bats."
The loss ended an 11-game winning streak at Tointon Family Stadium. Friday's game was the first ever between the two teams in Manhattan, Kansas.
For K-State, Seth Dardar went 2-for-3 with a double and home run in his fist game back since March 30. His home run was the team's 59th of the year.
"Our kids are really resilient – they're tough kids. I've seen them come back and get in series after games like this, and you try not to look too deep into it. You wake up tomorrow and try to figure out a way to get back in the series," Hughes said to K-State Sports.
Saturday's game started with UCF taking an early 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Michael Quevedo is on the mound pitching for the Cats.
The third game in the series will take place Sunday, April 13. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. The game can be found on ESPN+.