MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riding the high of an extra-inning win two days earlier, Omaha Baseball jumped on Kansas State and held on for a 12-5 nonconference win at Tointon Family Stadium.
The Mavericks have claimed three of the last four meetings in the series from the Wildcats. It was also their second road win over a Big 12 opponent this season. Omaha (11-17, 7-5) beat Arizona, 3-1, on Feb. 15.
Omaha again benefited from a three-run homer by sophomore
Nick Riggs, who drilled a 427-foot shot to center field in the first inning off Wildcats starter Tanner Duke. He also hit a three-run homer in Omaha's Sunday win over Oral Roberts.
The Mavericks scored in each of the first four innings and never trailed against Kansas State (23-14, 7-8).
Drew Borner,
Chase Diggins and
Jackson Trout drove in runs in the second as Omaha built a six-run lead.
Omaha outhit Kansas State 16-6. Junior catcher
Cardel Dick went 2 for 4 with a double and his team-leading fifth homer of the season, a 434-foot solo shot to center.
Henry Zipay recorded his second four-hit game of the season, while Trout, Riggs,
Mason Gaines and Borner each had two-hit games.
"I'm really proud of our hitters, their approach," head coach
Evan Porter said. "They kept putting pressure on. Even in those innings we didn't score, we had runners in scoring position, and that's winning baseball right there."
Omaha's defense came up with a big play to squash a rally in the third. Center fielder
Mason Gaines hit cutoff man
Chase Diggins, whose throw to
Cardel Dick nailed Kansas State's AJ Evasco at home plate to end the inning.
Brayden Curtis pitched five innings of scoreless relief to earn the win and improve to 3-2 on the season.
Oliver Mabee and
Nate Moquin followed Curtis to the mound as Omaha's bullpen combined for five shutout innings.
"Hats off to our pitchers. This is a tough place to pitch when the wind is howling out like it was tonight," Porter said. "We had some guys step up tonight, especially
Brayden Curtis. He was outstanding for us, and I'm really proud of him."
Omaha resumes Summit League play Friday for the first of three games against North Dakota State in Fargo. All Summit League games can be streamed live on the Summit League Network via Midco Sports. Links to broadcasts and live stats can be found at OMavs.com.
The Mavericks return to Tal Anderson Field for a nonconference game Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. CT against crosstown rival Creighton. Tickets are on sale now at OMavs.com/Tickets or by calling 402-554-MAVS.
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