K-State Baseball Crushes Iowa in Season Opener

Wildcats score 15 runs in dominant victory at MLB Desert Invitational

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kansas State Wildcats baseball team routed the Iowa Hawkeyes 15-6 in their season opener at the MLB Desert Invitational in Goodyear, Arizona. The Wildcats scored six runs in the fourth inning, including a grand slam by Dee Kennedy, to pull away for the blowout victory.

Why it matters

This decisive win to start the season is an encouraging sign for the Wildcats, who are looking to build on a successful 2025 campaign and compete for a conference title this year. The lopsided result also highlights the offensive firepower and pitching depth that K-State possesses.

The details

K-State jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run single by A.J. Evasco. Iowa got on the board in the third and fourth innings to make it a close game, but the Wildcats broke it open with a six-run fourth. After loading the bases, K-State drew a walk and then Dee Kennedy hit a grand slam to highlight the big inning. The Wildcats tacked on two more runs in the seventh and eighth innings to seal the 15-6 victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • K-State scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The players

A.J. Evasco

K-State infielder who had a two-run single in the first inning.

Dee Kennedy

K-State outfielder who hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, driving in five runs.

James Guyette

K-State starting pitcher who struck out eight batters over five innings.

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What they’re saying

“Our offense really came alive in that big fourth inning. Dee's grand slam was a huge momentum shift for us.”

— Pete Hughes, K-State Head Coach (ksn.com)

What’s next

K-State will look to build on this win when they take on UConn on Saturday at 6 p.m. in their next game of the MLB Desert Invitational.

The takeaway

This dominant season-opening victory showcases the offensive firepower and pitching depth that could make K-State a force to be reckoned with in the conference this season. If the Wildcats can sustain this level of play, they could be primed for a deep postseason run.