The Kansas Jayhawks secured a spot in the Big 12 Conference championship game on Tuesday, beating Oklahoma State 9‑2 in a decisive semifinal that left the crowd roaring.
A Record‑Tying Grand Slam
Tyson LeBlanc launched a grand slam that tied the all‑time KU record for home runs, marking his 21st career blast and underscoring the team’s offensive firepower.
Mason Cook, the Jayhawks’ starting pitcher, limited Oklahoma State to a single run over 5 ⅔ innings, scattering three hits and striking out several batters, a performance that kept the opposition at bay.
Coach Dan Fitzgerald praised the collective effort, saying the win fuels the squad’s ambition to capture a second championship and to host a regional round of the NCAA Tournament.
Looking Ahead to the Championship Game
The Jayhawks now await the winner of the West Virginia versus Arizona State matchup, a contest that will determine their championship opponent.
With a current RPI ranking of 19th and a regular‑season title already in hand, Kansas believes its résumé warrants a regional hosting bid, a prospect that has the coaching staff optimistic.
The story has been documented by a host of journalists, including Tony Thompson, Augusto Mungarrieta, Jordan Bach, Josh Dykhoff, Daniel Osoria, Ethan Lund, Toby Scheidt, Riane Ritter, and Gary Bedore, who have chronicled the team’s journey throughout the season.