The Kansas Jayhawks stormed back from a three-run deficit to defeat the Kansas State Wildcats 5–3 in Game 1 of the Sunflower Showdown series on Friday night.
Game 2 is set for noon CT at Hoglund Ballpark due to the chance of inclement weather. The game was originally slated to start at 2 p.m.
A four-run seventh inning did in the Cats, with a three-run home run from Jackson Hauge serving as the game-changer.
“Devastating loss,” head coach Pete Hughes told KStateSports.com. “Jacob Frost was awesome tonight. When you’re up 3–0 with seven outs to go and your go-to guy on the mound, you feel great about your game plan, but it didn’t go our way tonight.”
The loss puts K-State and KU into a three-way tie for third in the Big 12 standings, alongside Arizona State.
Starting pitcher Jacob Frost had a quality outing, holding the Jayhawks to one run over 6 2/3 innings and striking out 10. He retired 21 of the 27 batters he faced and carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning.
James Guyette (4–2) gave up four runs on five hits over one inning to take the loss in relief.
KU starter Dominic Voegele gave up three earned runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Manning West (3–1) was credited with the win after pitching 1 1/3 innings of relief, and Alex Breckheimer earned his third save of the season.
“It should never come down to one swing. We had ample time to build on our lead, and we didn’t. We were in this situation a week ago. Although it stings pretty good, we will not let a Friday night loss beat us twice. We’ll be ready to go,” Hughes said to KStateSports.com.