K-State’s Late Surge Stuns Utah in Big 12 Championship
The 2026 Big 12 Baseball Championship delivered a roller‑coaster finish as Kansas State rallied from an early hole to beat Utah 9‑5 in Surprise, Arizona. The Wildcats fell behind before a two‑run homer by AJ Evasco in the sixth inning cut the deficit and ignited a comeback.
James Guyette, the junior right‑hander, cemented his season‑long dominance by recording his 100th strikeout of the year, a milestone that ties the junior single‑season record at Kansas State. His performance on the mound kept the Wildcats within striking distance.
Relief pitcher Lincoln Sheffield added a pivotal piece to the puzzle, throwing 2 ⅔ shutout innings to earn the win and set a new school record for most victories by a senior pitcher. Sheffield’s composure in the later frames helped preserve the lead.
Dee Kennedy’s three‑hit, two‑RBI effort anchored the offense, while the team’s 86 home runs this season rank third in school history. The victory improves Kansas State’s all‑time series edge over Utah to 5‑2.
Looking Ahead to TCU
The Wildcats now turn their attention to a showdown with Texas Christian University. The upcoming contest will be streamed live on ESPN+ and carried on the K-State Sports Radio Network, promising another high‑stakes matchup for the conference crown.