The Sunflower Showdown carries major implications in this year’s Big 12 race, as the Kansas State Wildcats look to knock off rival Kansas in Game 1 of a three-game series Friday night in Lawrence.
First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Hoglund Ballpark.
Kansas State (23-14, 10-5 Big 12) currently sits one game ahead of Kansas (28-10, 9-6 Big 12) in the conference standings.
The Wildcats have won eight of the last 10 meetings between the two programs, including three consecutive series victories. With both teams jockeying for postseason positioning, every inning this weekend could prove crucial.
K-State enters the weekend looking to bounce back from consecutive losses, most recently a 5-3 defeat against Northeastern in non-conference play. Despite the recent skid, the Wildcats have been one of the Big 12’s most consistent teams this season, winning four of their first five conference series.
Kansas, on the other hand, recently snapped a four-game losing streak with an 18-12 victory over Wichita State on Tuesday. That offensive outburst came at a much-needed time following a weekend sweep at the hands of TCU. The Jayhawks will look to build on that momentum as they return to conference action.
According to KStateSports.com, left-hander Jacob Frost will get the start in Friday’s opener. He’ll face off against KU’s Dominic Voegele, the 2025 Big 12 Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
Michael Quevedo is set to start Saturday’s game for K-State, while Lincoln Sheffield is scheduled to take the mound in Sunday’s series finale at 2 p.m.
Kansas State leads the all-time series 193-190-1, a rivalry that dates back to 1897. The Wildcats are 5-5 in their last 10 games played in Lawrence.