Cincinnati Rallies Past K-State Saturday

Saturday, May 9

Manhattan, Kan.

4 p.m.

Kansas State University

26-24, 9-17

Cincinnati

35-17, 15-11

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Cincinnati	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	4	0	5	11	0
Kansas State	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	3	10	1

May 09, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score Photo Gallery

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A three-run home run by Quinton Coats in the eighth inning lifted Cincinnati past K-State, 5-3, Saturday afternoon at Tointon Family Stadium.

K-State (26-24, 9-17 Big 12) carried a two-run lead into the eighth before Cincinnati (35-17, 15-11 Big 12) erupted for four runs on five hits, highlighted by Coats 340-foot homer that plated the go-ahead run and secured the series victory.

"A frustrating loss, another lead that we've blown in the eighth inning," head coach Pete Hughes said. "It's a big number, us doing that. I think 17 of our Big 12 games we've led in the eighth, so it's frustrating. Lincoln Sheffield pitched a great game, like he usually does for us. He deserved to get a win there, and he deserved to pitch to [Quinton Coats]. I feel terrible for Lincoln, because he deserved that opportunity to pitch that kid. He hit it to the wrong part of the park – a super offensive side of the park."

Sheffield (6-3) turned in a strong outing, holding Cincinnati to one run on five hits over 7 1/3 innings with six strikeouts. The right-hander carried a 3-1 lead into the eighth before the Bearcats broke through with four runs in the frame.

"Credit to those guys they had base runners on, and they got a big hit when they needed it," Hughes added. "That was the difference of the game. Three-run homer. We got to defend against the bunt. We didn't do a great job doing that, and we knew that going in. You don't do that, the bases get crowded and you give yourself an opportunity for a three-run homer."

THE RUNDOWN
The Wildcats struck first in the third inning when Cadyn Karl launched his seventh home run of the season – a 379-foot solo home run to deep right field – for a 1-0 lead. Cincinnati answered in the fourth, using an RBI single from Jack Natili to even the score at 1-1.

After three scoreless frames, K-State jumped back in front after Bear Madliak doubled to open the inning and scored on a single through the right side from Ty Smolinski. The sophomore first baseman moved to third on a wild pitch and single by AJ Evasco, before Grant Gallagher added a sacrifice fly to extend the Wildcats' advantage to 3-1.

The Bearcats responded immediately in the eighth. Following back-to-back singles from Jackson Smith and Ryan Tyranski, Coats connected on the go-ahead three-run homer.

INSIDE THE BOX

Cincinnati scored five runs on 11 hits, committed no errors and stranded six on base.
K-State scored three runs on 10 hits, had one error and stranded four on base.
Seven different players contributed a hit for K-State, with three producing multiple – Dee Kennedy, Smolinski, and Evasco.
Four players had multi-hit games for Cincinnati, led by three RBI from Coats.
Chad Brown (5-0) was awarded the victory in relief of starter Logan Knight, who allowed three earned runs on seven hits over six innings.
Brown held the Wildcats to three hits over three scoreless innings.
Sheffield suffered the loss, surrendering five runs (earned) on nine hits over 7 2/3 innings. He ended the game with seven strikeouts and allowed one walk.

TEAM NOTES

Cincinnati leads the series 5-3, that includes a 3-2 edge in games played in Manhattan.
With the loss, K-State dropped its ninth consecutive game, marking the longest losing streak since 2018.

PLAYER NOTES

Karl belted his seventh home run of the season, becoming the fifth Wildcat to reach the mark in 2026.
Kennedy recorded his first multi-hit game since April 26 vs. KU – his 20^th of the year.
Evasco recorded his 21^st game with two or more hits, while Smolinski turned in his 11^th.
Smolinski has reached base in 12 consecutive games, dating back to April 17 at Arizona.

ON DECK
Sunday's series finale is slated for a 11 a.m. start can be seen on ESPN+ and the ESPN app, while radio coverage is available on the K-State Sports Network A free live stream audio is available for K-State baseball games at kstatesports.com/watch and on the K-State Sports app.

K-State will honor 18 players prior to first pitch for its annual Senior Day celebration.

Single-game tickets are available for all Wildcat home games at Tointon Family Stadium, fans can visit kstatesports.com/tickets call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stop by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.

– k-statesports.com –

How to follow the Cats: For complete information on K-State Baseball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.