Kansas State erupted in Surprise, Arizona, to claim a 9‑4 victory over TCU in the 2026 Big 12 Baseball Championship, securing a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals.
A Showdown with West Virginia Awaits
The Wildcats’ bats were relentless, compiling 14 hits as Ty Smolinski and AJ Evasco each delivered three‑hit performances, fueling a rally that put the team ahead early and never looked back.
Starter Tazwell Butler was dominant, retiring 11 of the first 12 batters he faced, while closer Cohen Feser capped the outing with three scoreless innings and three strikeouts to earn his fourth save of the season.
K‑State will next meet West Virginia, a clash that will be streamed live on ESPNU, adding a national audience to the Wildcats’ push for a title.
The win marks the fourth straight season that Kansas State has reached the 30‑win plateau, a streak that underscores the program’s consistent excellence in the Big 12.
With a combined 18 runs and 27 hits across two games in Arizona, the Wildcats have not only bolstered their own record but also signaled a deep run is within reach.