Parker Scott outduels Jordan Wicks, Cowboys roll 14-5

The Cowboys began a 15-game homestand against Kansas State on Friday night. It was the first Big 12 game at O’Brate Stadium, and they’d get a tough test with Wildcat starter Jordan Wicks on the bump. Wicks is considered to be a first-round pick in the MLB Draft coming up in June. But, the Cowboys were up to the task tonight.

The Cowboys opened the scoring in the bottom of the first with an opposite-field homer by Nolan McLean. That was followed later in the inning by a 2 RBI single by Max Hewitt to make it 3-0 Cowboys right out of the gate.

The score stayed that way until the the 4th when Kansas State’s Chris Ceballos unloaded on a baseball to left-center for a two-run homer to cut the lead to 3-2.

After a couple quiet innings from each side, and what felt like Jordan Wicks really settling in to the game, Brock Mathis fired up the Gap Band once again with a two-run bomb of his own, off the scoreboard no less!

The Cowboys were able to chase Jordan Wicks after that 6th inning. He gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and struck out 9. Five earned runs are the most Wicks has given up in his career, and it was also the first time he’d given up multiple home runs in the same game.

A seven-run 7th inning put the game pretty much out of reach. The Cowboys batted around and took advantage of multiple Wildcat errors.

Just for good measure, Christian Encarnacion-Strand demolished a home run of his own off the scoreboard in the 8th.

Parker Scott had a solid night. He was able to grind through 8 innings, giving up 4 earned runs on 8 hits. He struck out 8 and only walked 1 (2 HBP). He went back out for the 8th with a high pitch count and a long delay, but the first 7 innings were a clinic.

Mitchell Stone came in and got the last three outs to finish this game off.

Also of note tonight, Carson McCusker was back in the Cowboy lineup for the first time this season. He missed the first 19 games of the season with a back injury.

Key Contributors:

Max Hewitt: 3-4, 4 RBI

Nolan McLean: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI

Christian Encarnacion-Strand: 3-4, HR, 2 RBI, 4 R

Brock Mathis: 1-2, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB

The Cowboys are now 13-6-1 on the season, the game tomorrow against Kansas State begins at 6:00 back at O’Brate Stadium. Pitching probable is Justin Wrobleski (OSU) vs. Carson Seymour (KSU).