Wildcat Miscues Lead to 4-0 Loss to SDSU

MANHATTAN, Kan. – South Dakota State managed just four hits on the night but capitalized on early K-State miscues to pick up a 4-0 win in the series opener Tuesday evening at Tointon Family Stadium.

The Jackrabbits (5-11) jumped on top in the first inning with an unearned run, taking advantage of a K-State (9-7) error to grab an early 1-0 lead. SDSU added its second run via a wild pitch in the second with the bases loaded. Landon Badger's two-out single in the fourth plated the final two runs for the Jackrabbits.

"They got two-out hits and we didn't get a clutch hit," said head coach Pete Hughes after the game. "That was the story of the game. That's how you out-hit a team 8-4 and get beat, is timely hitting. We gave them opportunities – we walked people, we made an error and those runs scored. At some point, you've got to get a hit; we didn't get a hit, they did.

"(South Dakota State) pitched well, played good defense and got two-out hits."

K-State had opportunities in multiple innings but left nine men on base – five in scoring position – in its second shutout loss of the season. The Cats were just 2 for 14 with runners on base and 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position. The Wildcats stranded two in scoring position in the seventh inning and another in the sixth.

Three of SDSU's four runs reached base by way of an error, hit by pitch and a walk.

Dylan Phillips and Daniel Carinci each posted a pair of hits to lead the Wildcats, as Phillips extended his career-best hitting streak to 10 games. Carinci and Cameron Thompson each doubled in the game.

Caleb Littlejim took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts over four innings in his first start of the year.

"He hadn't pitched in a long time, as far as extended outings," Hughes said of Littlejim. "I thought he was a little inconsistent, but as far as his stuff, his stuff looked good. So it was important to get him back out there and start building up his pitch count again."

Andrew Stratman, Eric Torres and Jaxon Passino combined to throw five hitless frames out of the bullpen. Passino threw three perfect frames with three strikeouts while Stratman struck out two in 1 2/3 innings.

"Those guys did a good job," added Hughes on the bullpen. "They gave us time to get back in it, offensively. When you get a bullpen that does that, it's frustrating when your offense can't help them out. It keeps our bullpen fresh for tomorrow, too, with what those guys did."

Eli Sundquist picked up the win on the mound for the Jackrabbits. He allowed four hits with a walk and three strikeouts in the first three innings. Badger accounted for two of the four South Dakota State RBI on the night.

K-State and South Dakota State conclude the two-game set Wednesday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Free, live audio is also available at K-StateSports.com/watch.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

K-State scored no runs on eight hits with one error and left nine on base.
SDSU scored four runs on four hits and committed one error with six left on base.
Carinci and Phillips each registered two hits to lead K-State.
Carinci and Thompson doubled.
Two of SDSU's four hits went for extra bases.
Passino threw three perfect innings of relief with three strikeouts.
Stratman, Torres and Passino combined to hold SDSU without a hit over the final five innings.
K-State went hitless with runners in scoring position (0 for 4) and 1 for 14 with runners on base.
Five of the Wildcats' nine left on base were in scoring position.
Three of the Jackrabbits' four runs came with two outs and three reached base by way of an error, hit by pitch or walk.

NOTES

K-State leads the all-time series with South Dakota State 9-1.
The Wildcats are 7-1 at home against the Jackrabbits
The Wildcats have won six of their last eight games.
K-State was shut out for the second time this season.
Phillips extended his career-long hitting streak to 10 games.
Kokoska reached base for the 15^th straight game.
Thompson made his 183^rdconsecutive start for the Wildcats.

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Team Stats

Dylan Phillips

Daniel Carinci

Zach Kokoska

Cameron Thompson

Players Mentioned

Daniel Carinci

Jaxon Passino

Dylan Phillips

Andrew Stratman

Eric Torres

Players Mentioned

Daniel Carinci

Jaxon Passino

Dylan Phillips

Andrew Stratman

Eric Torres

Kansas State University Athletics