MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – A six-run fourth inning that was highlighted by Wade Hinkle’s first career grand slam and a tremendous effort out of the bullpen by Gerardo Esquivel sent Kansas State to a 9-5 victory over Minnesota Tuesday evening at the Metrodome.
The Wildcats, who moved to 10-6 on the season, earned their first ever win at Minnesota in four tries and won for just the second time in nine games against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota fell to 7-9 with the loss.
Hinkle, who was 2-for-5 with a career-best five RBI, recorded the big hit in the fourth after the two teams played to a 3-3 tie through three innings. The Wildcat fourth inning began with a one-out hit batter before a Ross Kivett single put runners on first and second. Tanner Witt followed with a two-run double into the left-center field gap to put K-State up, 5-3.
Witt’s double proved to be the end of Minnesota starter DJ Snelten (0-1) as the Gophers brought in Ty McDevitt. The right-hander walked Jared King and hit Blair DeBord to load the bases, setting up the matchup with Hinkle. On a 1-2 pitch, the senior pulled an inside fastball over the elevated wall in right-field to give K-State a 9-3 lead.
It was the first career grand slam by Hinkle and the first by a Wildcat since Jason King hit one against Northern Colorado on March 30.
But Hinkle’s grand slam was the final run scored by K-State as the Wildcats only recorded three hits over the final five innings against Gopher pitching.
NEXT GAME: Wednesday, March 14 at Minnesota (7-9, 0-0)
The ‘Cats wrap up their midweek series with the Golden Gophers at the Metrodome on Wednesday afternoon. KMAN’s own Rob Voelker will have the call on Sports Radio 1350 and online at 1350kman.com. Pregame coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m.
