Friday Big 12 Baseball Six-Pack: Kansas State and Texas Tech Start the Weekend Off Right
Is there anything better than cold beer and baseball? It’s a combination that is hard to beat during the season. No matter what kind of beer you drink (or how many), let’s take a look at some of the best action on the Big 12 baseball diamond from Friday with a nice six pack.
Best Game
Kansas State at Oklahoma State
If you were looking for a high scoring Big 12 game, then you found it because this was a scoring fest from start to finish. The Wildcats got off to a quick 2-0 lead before Nolan McLean’s two-run blast tied the game in the second inning. Kansas State responded with a pair of runs in the next inning, but Oklahoma State tied the game right back up.
Kansas State finally took control of the game in the fifth inning as Kalen Culpepper and Nick Goodwin put two more on the board for the Wildcats.
While the Cowboys would tack on a run in the bottom of that inning, Kansas State’s four-run seventh inning ended up being the turning point in the game.
Oklahoma State would come close to completing a miraculous comeback but ultimately fell short as Kansas State won 10-9 to take game one.
Best Win
Texas Tech Over #12 West Virginia
Coming into the weekend, Texas Tech is one of those teams right on the postseason bubble. With a 9-9 record in conference play and an RPI in the 50’s, the Red Raiders need to take this series to keep their tournament hopes alive. Despite getting down 2-0 early, the bats woke up for Texas Tech in the third inning when Nolen Hester drove in a run to put his team on the board.
In the fourth inning, Kevin Bazzell’s solo blast tied the game before Ty Coleman brought in another score to give Texas Tech a one run lead.
From there both offenses went silent until Austin Green’s two-RBI double in the ninth that gave Tech a three-run lead going into the final frame.
That was enough to get the job done for the Red Raiders as they take game one of this three game series.
Worst Loss
Baylor
With a 6-15 record in Big 12 play, the Bears really need to beat TCU this weekend just to have a shot at making the conference tournament at the end of the month. Baylor really struggled on Friday as they scored just one run and had four hits in their 5-1 loss to TCU. Now with just two conference games left, they have to win the next two just to make it to Arlington.
Friday MVP
Texas CF Eric Kennedy
After going hitless in game one of their doubleheader against San Jose State, Eric went off in game two. He had a whopping eight RBIs which included a big grand slam in the second inning. However, his night wasn’t done after that as he also hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning as well.
Pitcher of the Day
Texas Tech RHP Brandon Beckel
Brandon appeared late in the game against West Virginia, and he absolutely shut down the Mountaineers. Beckel pitched four innings and allowed just two hits and zero runs. He also struck out seven batters during his time on the mound.
Best Home Run
Texas CF Eric Kennedy
For those who have followed along know how much I love grand slams and I am not talking about the ones from Denny’s. Check out this awesome grand slam from Eric Kennedy.
Full Scoreboard
Texas Tech: 5, #12 West Virginia: 2
Kansas State: 10, Oklahoma State: 9
San Jose State: 6, Texas: 4 (Game One)
Texas: 24, San Jose State: 3 (Game Two)
TCU: 5, Baylor: 1
Kansas: 12, Samford: 4
