Four-run Eighth Lifts Cats to Win

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State broke a 1-1 tie with four runs in the bottom of the eighth and Jason Linn was brilliant in relief as the Wildcats knocked off BYU, 5-1, Monday afternoon before an energetic 872 fans at Tointon Stadium. With the win, K-State improved to 10-2 on the season, while BYU dropped to 8-4.

With the game knotted at one in the eighth, Byron Wiley worked a two-out walk before Tyler Link reached on a fielding error by BYU third baseman Steve Parker. Justin Bloxom followed with a sharp single to left to load the bases. Brett Scott was then hit by a pitch to score the go-ahead run in Wiley, while Nate Tenbrink then shot a single through the right side to plate two more runs to give K-State a 4-1 lead. Daniel Dellasega then lifted a single to right to plate Scott and up the lead to 5-1.

Linn (1-0) worked a perfect ninth inning to earn his first collegiate win after inducing a pop up and two ground outs. The redshirt freshman pitched a near flawless 4.0 innings of relief, surrendering just one hit with three strikeouts and no walks, and retired the first eight batters he faced until giving up a two-out hit in the eighth.

Starter Todd Vogel also was effective, throwing 5.0 innings and giving up just one run on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts in the no decision.

BYU’s Matt Jensen (1-2) suffered the loss after surrendering the go-ahead run in the eighth, while starter Blaine Howell gave up one run on one hit with six walks in 2.1 innings of work.

The Cats got on the board in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead as Eli Rumler drew a walk before Wiley singled through the right side. Each runner moved up a base after the right fielder misplayed the single and then Rumler came in to score after a balk by Howell to plate the game’s first run.

The Cougars tied the game in the top of the fifth when Kasey Ko homered to right.

Bloxom led the Wildcat offense with two hits, while Tenbrink led the way with two runs driven in.

Kansas State and BYU are slated to hook up again Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. at Tointon Stadium.

– k-statesports.com –