Semifinal Showdown
On May 22, the Kansas Jayhawks traveled to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys and emerged victorious, 9-2. The win secured their place in the Big 12 Championship game, scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
The Jayhawks built an early lead, with Augusto Mungarrieta delivering an RBI single in the first inning that set the tone. Jordan Bach followed with a double that advanced a runner to second, adding another run to the tally.
Tyson LeBlanc contributed a two-run double in the second inning, extending the lead. The Cowboys answered in the sixth with a double from Avery Ortiz that produced their first score.
Kansas responded in the seventh inning with a clutch double from Mungarrieta and a timely single from Savion Flowers, pushing the advantage further. LeBlanc then capped the rally with a grand slam, sealing a nine-run frame.
The offensive outburst was complemented by solid pitching. Mason Cook earned the win, allowing just one run over 5.2 innings, while Toby Schedit struck out three batters in 1.1 innings of relief. Riana Ritter closed the game with a save, limiting the Cowboys to a single hit.
The victory also marked a milestone for Owens, who tied the school’s home-run record with his 21st homer of the season, underscoring the team’s depth.
Key Performances
The Jayhawks’ blend of timely hitting, reliable arms and a record-setting home-run display positions them as a formidable contender. With a roster anchored by Mungarrieta, Bach, LeBlanc, Flowers, and a pitching staff led by Cook and Ritter, the team enters the final with confidence.
Looking ahead, the Jayhawks will meet the winner of the West Virginia versus Arizona State matchup in the championship game on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., a contest that promises another test of their momentum.