Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State eyed its first sweep over Oklahoma State since 2010 Sunday, but the 15th-ranked Cowboys managed to grind out a 6-4 victory to salvage the series finale at Tointon Family Stadium.
K-State (24-15, 9-9 Big 12) was unable to overcome a two-run deficit, as five of OSU's (26-14, 11-7 Big 12) relievers combined to keep the Wildcats scoreless over the game's final five innings.
"Disappointed – because we had the chance to sweep a team, but we just didn't start well," head coach Pete Hughes said. "When you win the first two games, you have to keep the momentum of the series on your side, and we allowed them to score first."
"We gave them an easy run to build the lead. We had plenty of time to get back in that game, and we weren't able to do that. I thought that both bullpens did a great job, no one scored after the fourth inning. I'm happy with the way our guys played in the series," said Hughes.
Wisenbaker logged a game-high four scoreless innings and held the Cowboys to one hit in his 12th outing of the season. The Houston, Texas, product retired 11 of the 13 batters he faced, issuing one intentional walk with two strikeouts.
Ruhl received the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit with two walks (1-1). Blake Dean scattered one hit in his 1 1/3 scoreless innings and to close the game.
OSU's Brennan Phillips (1-0) picked up the victory in his 2/3 innings in relief of starter Gabe Davis. Shortstop Lane Forsythe was 3-for-3 at the plate while Jaxson Crull drove in a game-high two runs.
"Again, really disappointed today because we had some opportunities and couldn't capitalize. I wish we had started better. There were great crowds all weekend, and definitely a weekend we can build upon."
Five Wildcats generated a hit in the series finale led by Brendan Jones, as the junior centerfielder went 3-for-5 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored along with two stolen bases. Three of K-State's four runs came with two outs.
THE RUNDOWN
After a scoreless first frame, OSU took advantage of a dropped fly ball to nail the first run to the board.
The Wildcats tied the game 1-1 after Davis issued a walk to David Bishop with bases loaded.
Jaxson Crull belted a two-run homer to open the Cowboys' three-run third inning.
Trailing 4-1, Jones singled through the right side and stole second to move into scoring position until the Big 12 stolen bases leader advanced to third on a deep fly ball to right by Kaelen Culpepper. Freshman Nick English walked and stole second to make it second and third before Davis spiked a ball into the turf for Jones to score.
Raphael Pelletier, who hit .429 (6-for-14) in the series, singled into right to score English and make it a one-run ballgame.
The Cowboys added a pair of runs in the fourth to stretch their lead to three, 6-3, until K-State capitalized on two throwing errors to cut the lead to two.
Wisenbaker relieved Sam Roberts in the fourth and inherited a runner on third. The sophomore lefty retired eight consecutive batters to keep the game within two.
ON DECK
K-State will face Omaha (12-22, 10-7 Summit) Tuesday at Tointon Family Stadium. Tuesday's game can be seen on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, while radio coverage available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). A free live streaming audio available for all games at KStateSports.com/watch and on the K-State Sports app.