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After unloading on a helpless pitching staff for the fourth game in a row to the tune of a 17-2 pasting, the Wildcats return to the scene of the crime to see if they can do it all over again. The task may be a leeeetle tricksier today, though.
What: K-State (12-7) vs Air Force (4-14, 1-5 MWC) When: March 19, 2014 | 3:00 p.m. CT Where: Manhattan, KS | Tointon Family Stadium (2,331) Media: 1350 KMAN (Matt Walters, John Kurtz) | Fox College Sports (Brian Smoller, former skipper Mike Clark)
In yesterday's game thread, I noted that in the last four games the 'Cats had averaged just under 13 runs a game, while posting a 1.25 ERA. Well, that's now 13.6 runs a game over the last five contests, although the ERA has now ballooned all the way up to... 1.80. Yup. Over the last four, we're looking at 15.5 runs a game, and the ERA's back to 1.25. If this keeps up, we'll have to lock the 'Cats away for everyone's safety. Of course, it won't, because Big 12 competition is going to be a little more potent.
It may be more potent today, actually. Whereas the Academy sent a guy with an ERA approaching 10 to the mound yesterday, today they'll send righty Steven Trojan (1-3, 5.54) to the hill. Meanwhile, the 'Cats will be starting right-hander Colton Kalmus (0-1, 9.95). And since Brad Hill stretched out his bullpen yesterday to keep Nate Griep available for the weekend if necessary, it's possible Kalmus is going to have to eat innings even if he doesn't have his stuff today. So this afternoon's game could be a little more fraught with peril than last night's.
The Wildcats now lead the all-time series against Air Force 12-3. The 'Cats winning streak, is now 11 games.
May as well keep those bats cranking, guys. It's good practice for the truly important games... which start Friday.