By: Shanna Rose
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State rallied to defeat 12th-ranked West Virginia 8-7 on Friday night at Tointon Family Stadium.
With a 7-2 lead in the ninth, the wheels fell off for the Mountaineers (39-9, 18-5 Big 12). The Wildcats (29-20, 15-10) scored six runs in the ninth as WVU suffered its second straight walk-off loss.
Reese Bassinger gave up a leadoff home run to Keegan O’Connor. Then he gave up a single and a double before AJ Evasco’s single to Brodie Kresser cut the deficit to 7-4.
Carson Estridge came on to relieve Bassinger and got a ground ball from the first batter he faced but a throwing error allowed Kansas State to score another run.
Sam Flores’ base hit made it a one-run game before a ground out tied the score at 7-7.
O’Connor’s single to left field completed the comeback for Kansas State.
Jace Rinehart had two hits, including a home run and two RBI. Kyle West and Logan Sauve each had three hits and an RBI.
Griffin Kirn had a solid performance on the mound for the Mountaineers. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs and seven hits.
In the fourth inning, Sam White’s RBI double gave WVU a 1-0 lead before Rinehart’s home run made it 3-0.
In the fifth, Sauve extended the lead with an RBI single.
The Wildcats made it 4-2 when Bear Madliak homered to left field.
West added another run for the Mountaineers in the ninth with an RBI single.
WVU turned five double plays to tie a program record.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday with first pitch for game two set for 5 p.m. ET.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
