A big sixth inning by the Kansas State Wildcats was enough to secure a victory over the UCF Knights in Game 2 of their three-game series this weekend.
The winner of Sunday's Game 3 will take the series.
The Knights took an early 1–0 lead with a pair of hits in the third inning. K-State’s Michael Quevedo and James Guyette combined for eight scoreless innings to lead the Wildcats.
Quevedo went 4 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and one earned run, while striking out three and walking one in his start. Guyette (4–1) earned the win in relief, not allowing a hit or a walk. He also struck out four over 4 1/3 innings.
The Cats scored their three runs on consecutive hits, finishing with 10 total hits from eight players, and leaving eight men on base in the game.
The win put the Cats at 13-8 on the year in day games, and 7-0 at home.
Wildcats head baseball coach Phil Hughes praised the fans and the strong turnout from the home crowd.
"I do want to talk about the crowds we've been getting. When I first got hired, it was uncommon for that to happen, and for these guys, our community to show up and support our kids like that. It's a home field advantage and it's very unique," Hughes said to K-Statesports.com.
Following Sunday’s rubber match, K-State will play a two-game weekday series against Northeastern, followed by the Sunflower Showdown versus their rival, the Kansas Jayhawks, in Lawrence, Kan.