K-State secured a 2-1 victory against Arizona at Hi Corbett Field on April 18, marking the program’s first-ever win over Arizona. The game saw strong pitching performances from James Guyette, Adam Arther, and Miles Smith, who combined for eight scoreless innings.
The matchup was significant as it represented only the third meeting between Kansas State and Arizona and their first contest played in Big 12 conference play. The close result improved K-State’s record to 3-4 in one-run games this season.
Head Coach Pete Hughes said, “I thought that was a great Friday night win all the way around. Our lineup, our bullpen – we made big plays all night, especially in pressure situations. The pitching staff was phenomenal and came up with big pitches when we needed them. They stranded a leadoff triple with no runs in the eighth inning, and that was the moment that won the game for us.” He also praised AJ Evasco’s contribution: “AJ Evasco had a big night for us and got the big hit. We got a late run because of his leadoff double. Overall, it was a great team win on a Friday night, led by our pitching staff, which delivered from the first inning through the ninth.”
Arizona took an early lead after Bear Sylvester’s RBI-triple in the sixth inning put them ahead 1-0. K-State responded in the eighth when Grant Gallagher scored on a passed ball to tie things up before taking control in the ninth; Evasco doubled to start off before Cadyn Karl drove him home with a sacrifice fly for what would be the deciding run.
Guyette struck out eight batters across six innings while allowing just one earned run on five hits. Arther followed by striking out three of six batters he faced without allowing any runs or hits over his relief appearance. Smith finished out by retiring three straight batters to secure both his second win of the season and K-State’s historic victory.
Looking ahead, game two between Arizona and K-State is scheduled for an evening start time with coverage available via ESPN+ as well as local radio broadcasts.
