Go Purple! Go White!

Spring Football

Today is Kansas State’s annual spring game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM, and for those of unfortunate enough not to see it in person, the game will be broadcast on KStateHD.tv.

What can the purple faithful expect from today’s game? Well, if Bill Snyder has anything to say about it, you will see a decent offense go up against an improving defense. Our own JT VanGilder has more details right here: Offense and Defense.

In other spring game notes, the Kansas City Star’s Kellis Robinett takes a look at five things to watch for in today’s game, including backup quarterback Alex Delton and the Wildcats’ impressive depth at running back (Associated Press via FoxSports).

Speaking of Delton, he received something akin to a vote of confidence from Snyder, who had this to say about his new quarterback: “I like Alex Delton.” (Ken Corbitt, Topeka Capital-Journal).

Finally, a special note on today’s spring game: Joan Friederich, longtime administrative assistant to Snyder (and other Kansas State football coaches over the years) retired last fall after she suffered a broken hip. She’ll be honored at today’s game and may even be involved in the coin toss (Kevin Haskin, Capital-Journal).

Baseball

The BatCats woes continue as they dropped a 9-7 contest to No. 21 West Virginia yesterday at Tointon Family Stadium. Kansas State is now a dismal 2-11 in the Big Ten and just .500 overall.

Even worse than the result itself was that Kansas State gave up a decent lead to lose the game. After seven innings, the BatCats took a 7-5 lead thanks to a pinch-hit RBI single from Trent McMaster, an RBI ground-rule double from Josh Rolette, and a sac-fly from Hanz Harker. In the very next inning, however, the ‘Eers scored four runs off four hits and four stolen bases.

It was Kansas State’s first loss following a lead through seven innings. The BatCats were previously 13-0 in that regard.

Up next, the series against West Virginia continues as part of the spring weekend festivities in Manhattan. First pitch is scheduled for 4 PM.

Tennis

The Wildcats were swept 4-0 by No. 18 Baylor yesterday in Waco.

The lone bright spot was the No. 1 doubles team of Maria Panaite and Millie Stretton winning their match for the Wildcats’ only victory of the day.

Next, the Wildcats will take on the Texas Longhorns on Sunday to wrap up their Big 12 road trip and the regular season.

Track and Field

Most of the track team is in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the John McDonnell Invitational, but a small group of distance runners took to the track for the 10,000m event just down the highway in Lawrence in the Kansas Relays.

Brett Bachman, running in his first-ever 10,000m race, had the best result for the Wildcats, finishing fourth. His twin Jeff came in fifth, while teammate Bryan Zach finished seventh.