Smolinski’s Perfect Weekend Powers K-State Sweep

K-State baseball improved to 11–4 on the season after an offensive explosion this past weekend, sweeping SIU Edwardsville in a three-game series. The Wildcats took each game 14–5, 8–4, and 20–7 (7 innings). Those 42 runs scored featured 41 hits, 11 doubles, one triple, and 12 home runs (maybe some credit to the weather on Sunday, but not all).

Also important to note is that all three of K-State’s starting pitchers recorded wins this weekend. James Guyette, Tanner Duke, and Lincoln Sheffield were all able to go five innings or more in their starts. Duke struck out seven, while Guyette and Sheffield totaled eight strikeouts apiece. Sheffield and Guyette have established themselves early on as very consistent starters for the Wildcats, with both posting top-10 rankings in the Big 12 for innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins (Sheffield leading the Big 12 with four).

Now back to the hitting that supported these pitchers over the weekend. The MVP of the series was Ty Smolinski, who went 9-for-9 with nine RBIs, four doubles, and three home runs. I would be surprised if Smolinski did not receive Big 12 — or even national — Player of the Week honors.

Another notable performance came from Dee Kennedy in game three. Kennedy went 4-for-5 with six RBIs and three home runs, becoming the sixth player in school history to hit three or more in a single game. Kennedy’s numbers to start the year are very impressive, as he ranks in the top 10 in the Big 12 in eight different offensive categories.

K-State’s eight home runs in Sunday’s outing were the most in school history for a single game. Smolinski and Micah Kendrick had two apiece to add to Kennedy’s three. Carlos Vasquez added another with one of the hardest-hit home runs I’ve seen at K-State, estimated at around 450 feet.

The Bat Cats will transition quickly to a home matchup Tuesday against Wichita State. The Shockers have been very good this year, posting an 11–5 record and run-ruling teams in six of those wins. They are offensively led by Max Kaufer (.432 BA) and Owen Washburn (.464 BA). Kaufer is currently third in Division I in slugging percentage (1.132) and first in OPS (1.739). First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. CDT at Tointon Family Stadium.