Tim Heitman/Big 12 Conference
Big 12 Baseball Championship: Days 3 & 4 Recap
After Texas and West Virginia were sent home on Day 2, the next five games took care of all but the final two. TCU and Texas Tech earned a one-day bye to the semifinals, while the four remaining teams were set to play for their semifinal spot on day three. The two winning teams moved on while the other two were sent home.
Day 3 Big 12 Baseball Championship:
#5 Kansas State 7, #8 Kansas 1
After both teams upset the Texas Longhorns, the Wildcats defeated their in-state rival to set up a rematch with TCU, who had defeated both teams already. The Jayhawks were able to get runners on base throughout the game but could not bring them across.
Kansas State put up three runs in the second inning and never looked back. A solid start from German Fajardo that lasted into the eighth inning helped preserve the arms in the bullpen, which would play a big role in the semifinal game against TCU.
#2 Oklahoma State 8, #7 Oklahoma 3
Oklahoma State ensured they did not repeat their mistakes from the Day One loss to the Sooners and sent the defending champions packing. A five-run second inning was the difference for the Cowboys. Oklahoma made a late push, but Oklahoma State matched each run to keep the five-run distance.
The Cowboys got their Bedlam revenge in Arlington to ensure there will be a new Big 12 Tournament champion. However, using four pitchers was concerning going into the semifinal match with Texas Tech, in which they would need to win twice.
Big 12 Baseball Championship Semifinals/Day 4:
#4 TCU 6, #5 Kansas State 3
The Horned Frogs could not end a game by run rule for the first time in the tournament, though they tried. TCU got aggressive at the plate and ended up with only three hits on the day. The Wildcats, on the other hand, worked counts and were able to consistently get on base.
However, for every rut Kansas State scored, TCU matched in the next inning until taking the lead in the sixth. Ben Abeldt came in to pitch the final three and a third innings striking out seven and getting the win, sending the Frogs to the championship.
#2 Oklahoma State 8, #6 Texas Tech 1
The first of a double-header saw the Cowboys come out with determination, scoring all eight runs in the first four innings to put the Red Raiders against the wall. More importantly, the inability of Tech to consistently get into scoring position allowed the Cowboyonly to use two pitchers and preserve arms.
With both teams now having a loss, Oklahoma State forced a second game to decide who would meet TCU in the championship game.
#2 Oklahoma State 6, #6 Texas Tech 5
The Cowboys completed their redemption story by overcoming yet more adversity. After four scoreless innings, the Red Raiders put up five runs in the fifth, and it looked like the Cowboys would see their hopes fade away. However, with the pressure mounting to make something happen, Oklahoma State put up five of its own to tie it up.
After putting Tech away in the ninth, pinch-hitter Aidan Meola hit just the third home run of his career to walk it off, putting the Cowboys in the championship game.
The Big 12 Championship Game will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Globe Life Field in Arlington between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
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