AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 23 Kansas State scored eight runs in the second inning to take a 14-6 win over Texas in a Big 12 Conference baseball series opener Thursday in Manhattan.
The Longhorns (15-11, 4-3 Big 12) had a 3-0 lead through 1 1/2 innings thanks to home runs by Jalin Flores and Dee Kennedy, but when the bottom of the second came, the wheels fell off. The Wildcats scored eight runs on five hits and Texas pitchers issued five walks in the frame.
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Kansas State built a 14-3 lead until Texas center fielder Will Gasparino hit a solo home run and Flores delivered another big hit with a 2-run double. Flores finished the game 2 for 4 with three RBIs. Kennedy and Max Belyeu had two hits each. Jared Thomas and Porter Brown each hit doubles.
It was a rough outing for Texas ace pitcher Lebarron Johnson Jr. He lasted just an inning, allowing six earned runs on five hits with a strikeout and two walks. Texas used five pitchers in the game with freshman Hudson Hamilton eating up some innings, tossing 4 1/3 innings of middle relief.
The teams continue their series at 6 p.m. Friday.