Kansas State University Athletics
Friday, May 28
Oklahoma City, OK
12:30 P.M.
Kansas State University
33-22
7
vs
2
Texas Tech
36-15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
R
H
E
Kansas State
0
0
2
5
0
0
0
0
0
7
5
0
Texas Tech
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
3
1
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Photo by: Scott D. Weaver / K-State Athletics
Cats Advance to Big 12 Semis, Silence Texas Tech 7-2
May 28, 2021 | Baseball
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – K-State got five innings of scoreless relief from Tyler Eckberg and four RBI from Cameron Thompson to give the Wildcats a 7-2 victory over No. 5 Texas Tech Friday in an elimination game at the 2021 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
No. 7-seed K-State (33-22) scored five of its seven runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run double by Thompson. Eckberg and starter Kasey Ford combined to carry a one-hitter into the ninth inning to eliminate the third-seeded Red Raiders (36-15).
"We are in the survive-advance mode, you've got to be really focused on the task at hand because there's no tomorrow," head coach Pete Hughes said. "Proud of our guys for seizing momentum, making a big inning, and then sustaining a lead. That's a really good team, they're talking about being a top-eight national seed."
The Wildcats defeated TTU for the third time in four games this season and collected their fifth victory against a top-five team. The win advances K-State to the semifinal round of the conference tournament for the first time since 2011.
"I'm excited because, at some point, Kansas State baseball has got to be in the conversation for the national tournament," added Hughes. "Until today, it hasn't. Our name has to be considered for the national tournament."
Eckberg held the Red Raiders' offense scoreless in earning the win and did not allow a hit until back-to-back singles with two outs in the ninth inning. The right-hander entered the game with two outs and the bases loaded in fourth with TTU having plated a pair of runs.
"That inning could have flipped really quick with the bases loaded. He came in there and settled it down, made his pitches, but more importantly, threw up zeroes all the way until the end against a really, really good offense," Hughes said of Eckberg. "He's the MVP of the game, that's for sure. He changed the whole course of that game."
"To come in in the earlier innings like that, it's just all about just shutting down momentum," said Eckberg. "They had a couple baserunners on and to get out of that inning as quick as possible and get the bats going again and carry that momentum for the rest of the game."
His five innings of work were a season high for Eckberg and a career long as a reliever in 64 career outings. The redshirt junior threw a career-high 97 pitches in putting down 11 of the first 12 hitters he faced. He finished with six strikeouts and three walks in his 68th career appearance.
"I haven't gone that long in a while, but I wanted to go out there and save as much pitching as we can. We've got two to win tomorrow," Eckberg said. "It feels great right now after that win."
Ford did not allow a hit through three innings in the start, striking out four with only one walk in taking a seven-run lead into the fourth. TTU got its first hit in the bottom of that inning, an RBI double from Cole Stilwell.
Ford would walk four hitters in the fourth, including a bases-loaded walk, before he gave way to Eckberg.
Thompson and Dylan Phillips each belted a solo home run in the top of the third against TTU starter Micah Dallas to stake the Cats an early two-run lead.
The home run was the 16th of the season for Phillips, which ties K-State's single-season record set in 1997 (Scott Poepard and Heath Schesser).
The next inning saw 11 Wildcats come to plate in their five-run frame. All five runs came with two outs, as Thompson delivered a three-run double. K-State took advantage of three walks and a hit by pitch, adding an infield single from Cole Johnson and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Zach Kokoska.
"They look comfortable, that's for sure," said Hughes of his offense. "It's amazing what the home run does, it breathes life into your program, it breathes life into that game and into that dugout. We got a couple big ones today – loud ones."
"We're swinging it well," Thompson added. "It's awesome having everyone involved, it's not one guy at all. The entire lineup has been seeing it well, which is awesome to see. It's been really fun to sit back and watch it, too."
K-State has now hit six home runs in the conference tournament, a program record, as it increased its season total to 89. Phillips has homered twice this postseason.
Thompson had two of K-State's five hits, ending the day 2-for-4 with two runs and four RBI.
Wildcat hitters drew 10 walks – a team tournament record – with seven different players working a base on balls.
The three hits given up by the Wildcats are the fewest ever in a Big 12 Championship contest.
TTU was hitless with runners in scoring position (0-for-6) and limited to 2-for-12 (.167) with runners on base.
Dallas took the loss for the Red Raiders, giving up six earned runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings.
K-State will take on No. 2 seed TCU Saturday at 9 a.m., needing to defeat the Horned Frogs twice to advance to the Sunday's title game. The Wildcats and Frogs have split four meetings this season, including TCU's 7-6 win in the opening round of Wednesday.
Saturday's game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage can be heard on the K-State Sports Radio Network with live, free audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
No. 7-seed K-State (33-22) scored five of its seven runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run double by Thompson. Eckberg and starter Kasey Ford combined to carry a one-hitter into the ninth inning to eliminate the third-seeded Red Raiders (36-15).
"We are in the survive-advance mode, you've got to be really focused on the task at hand because there's no tomorrow," head coach Pete Hughes said. "Proud of our guys for seizing momentum, making a big inning, and then sustaining a lead. That's a really good team, they're talking about being a top-eight national seed."
The Wildcats defeated TTU for the third time in four games this season and collected their fifth victory against a top-five team. The win advances K-State to the semifinal round of the conference tournament for the first time since 2011.
"I'm excited because, at some point, Kansas State baseball has got to be in the conversation for the national tournament," added Hughes. "Until today, it hasn't. Our name has to be considered for the national tournament."
Eckberg held the Red Raiders' offense scoreless in earning the win and did not allow a hit until back-to-back singles with two outs in the ninth inning. The right-hander entered the game with two outs and the bases loaded in fourth with TTU having plated a pair of runs.
"That inning could have flipped really quick with the bases loaded. He came in there and settled it down, made his pitches, but more importantly, threw up zeroes all the way until the end against a really, really good offense," Hughes said of Eckberg. "He's the MVP of the game, that's for sure. He changed the whole course of that game."
"To come in in the earlier innings like that, it's just all about just shutting down momentum," said Eckberg. "They had a couple baserunners on and to get out of that inning as quick as possible and get the bats going again and carry that momentum for the rest of the game."
His five innings of work were a season high for Eckberg and a career long as a reliever in 64 career outings. The redshirt junior threw a career-high 97 pitches in putting down 11 of the first 12 hitters he faced. He finished with six strikeouts and three walks in his 68th career appearance.
"I haven't gone that long in a while, but I wanted to go out there and save as much pitching as we can. We've got two to win tomorrow," Eckberg said. "It feels great right now after that win."
Ford did not allow a hit through three innings in the start, striking out four with only one walk in taking a seven-run lead into the fourth. TTU got its first hit in the bottom of that inning, an RBI double from Cole Stilwell.
Ford would walk four hitters in the fourth, including a bases-loaded walk, before he gave way to Eckberg.
Thompson and Dylan Phillips each belted a solo home run in the top of the third against TTU starter Micah Dallas to stake the Cats an early two-run lead.
The home run was the 16th of the season for Phillips, which ties K-State's single-season record set in 1997 (Scott Poepard and Heath Schesser).
The next inning saw 11 Wildcats come to plate in their five-run frame. All five runs came with two outs, as Thompson delivered a three-run double. K-State took advantage of three walks and a hit by pitch, adding an infield single from Cole Johnson and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Zach Kokoska.
"They look comfortable, that's for sure," said Hughes of his offense. "It's amazing what the home run does, it breathes life into your program, it breathes life into that game and into that dugout. We got a couple big ones today – loud ones."
"We're swinging it well," Thompson added. "It's awesome having everyone involved, it's not one guy at all. The entire lineup has been seeing it well, which is awesome to see. It's been really fun to sit back and watch it, too."
K-State has now hit six home runs in the conference tournament, a program record, as it increased its season total to 89. Phillips has homered twice this postseason.
Thompson had two of K-State's five hits, ending the day 2-for-4 with two runs and four RBI.
Wildcat hitters drew 10 walks – a team tournament record – with seven different players working a base on balls.
The three hits given up by the Wildcats are the fewest ever in a Big 12 Championship contest.
TTU was hitless with runners in scoring position (0-for-6) and limited to 2-for-12 (.167) with runners on base.
Dallas took the loss for the Red Raiders, giving up six earned runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings.
K-State will take on No. 2 seed TCU Saturday at 9 a.m., needing to defeat the Horned Frogs twice to advance to the Sunday's title game. The Wildcats and Frogs have split four meetings this season, including TCU's 7-6 win in the opening round of Wednesday.
Saturday's game will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage can be heard on the K-State Sports Radio Network with live, free audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- K-State scored seven runs on five hits without an error and 11 left on base.
- Texas Tech scored two runs on three hits with one error and nine left on base.
- K-State scored five runs in the fourth.
- Phillips and Thompson both homered in the third.
- It was Phillips' team-leading 16th homer of the year, which ties K-State's single-season record.
- Thompson lifted his 14th home run of the season.
- Thompson registered a game-high four RBI and had the Cats' only multi-hit game.
- Eckberg and Ford combined to allow one hit through the game's first eight innings.
- Eckberg did yielded a pair of two-out singles in the ninth.
- Eckberg struck out six in his longest outing as a reliever.
- Eckberg's 97 pitches were a career high (68 career games).
- Ford allowed one hit and struck out four while walking five in 3 2/3 innings.
- The three hits allowed were the fewest ever in a Big 12 Championship contest for the Cats.
- The two teams combined for 18 walks, tying the Big 12 Championship record set in 2018 (TCU and TTU).
- Thompson made his 239th consecutive start, extending his own Wildcat record.
- K-State has 89 homers on the year to lead the Big 12 (single-season program record).
- Phillips equaled the single-season home run total of 16 set by Scott Poepard and Heath Schesser in 1997.
- K-State has hit six home runs in three games at the Big 12 Championship (K-State tournament record).
- The Wildcats improve to 20-1 when hitting multiple home runs.
- Texas Tech leads the all-time series 31-46-1.
- K-State is 3-3 vs. Texas Tech in the postseason tournament.
- Texas Tech had won the previous three postseason meetings.
- K-State took three of four games from the Red Raiders, with TTU being ranked in the nation's top five in all four matchups.
- The Cats and Red Raiders met at the Big 12 Championship for the second straight year.
Cats Win 😼#KStateBSB x EMAW pic.twitter.com/AWjeH1vliY
— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 28, 2021
Survive & Advance#KStateBSB x EMAW pic.twitter.com/Oc3icmfDX2
— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 28, 2021
💜 the glove #KStateBSB x @kam_datdude2 pic.twitter.com/iuBGBHMv6W
— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 28, 2021
Eckberg is rollin' #KStateBSB 7 - Texas Tech 2 | Bot 8 pic.twitter.com/Z67oWUUiYF
— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 28, 2021
Boom! It's over a ⛰@DylanP_16 puts the 'Cats up 2-0 over Texas Tech
— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 28, 2021
#KStateBSB x EMAW pic.twitter.com/xibmGy7XVT
The flip from @T10Cambo. #KStateBSB x @NCAACWS pic.twitter.com/lYW9Eqv44g
— K-State Baseball (@KStateBSB) May 28, 2021
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Eckberg, Tyler (5-5)
L: Micah Dallas (4-3)
Batting:
2B: Thompson, Cameron 1
HR: Thompson, Cameron 1 ; Phillips, Dylan 1
RBI: Thompson, Cameron 4 ; Phillips, Dylan 1 ; Kokoska, Zach 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Thompson, Cameron 2 ; Johnson, Cole 1 ; Phillips, Dylan 1 ; Kokoska, Zach 1 ; Goodwin, Nick 1 ; Willman, Kamron 1
SB: Johnson, Cole 1 ; Kokoska, Zach 1 ; Goodwin, Nick 1 ; Littlejim, Caleb 1
HBP: Spurlin, Terrence 1 ; Goodwin, Nick 2
Batting:
2B: Cole Stilwell 1
RBI: Cole Stilwell 1 ; Nate Rombach 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Easton Murrell 1 ; Cole Stilwell 1
Game Leaders
Hitting
AB
4
R
2
H
2
RBI
4
AB
5
R
1
H
1
RBI
0
AB
3
R
1
H
1
RBI
1
AB
3
R
1
H
1
RBI
1
Players Mentioned
RHP
/ Baseball
RHP
/ BaseballINF/OF
/ BaseballOF
/ BaseballOF/LHP
/ BaseballINF
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