Air Force's big lead evaporates in Tuesday's loss to Kansas State

COLORADO SPRINGS- Playing for the first time at home in 2023, the Falcons saw the Wildcats post eight unanswered runs over the final four innings to spoil Air Force's home opener in Tuesday's 12-9 loss.

Jay Thomason put together a monster day at the plate, going 3-3 with 2 RBI, a walk and a HBP. All three of Thomason's hits were of the extra-base variety, as the junior slugged his eighth home run of the spring in the 4th. Thomason also had a pair of doubles in his first two plate appearances. His OPS now sits at 1.025, with Thomason extending his on-base streak to 12 games. His seven multi-RBI games continues to lead the roster.

Sam Kulasingam also kept his on-base run alive as part of a 2-4 afternoon. The defending Mountain West Player of the Year managed a double and a sac fly, scoring a team-high three runs. Kulasingam has now reached base in 21-consecutive games.

Jake Greiving led the Falcons with 3 RBI, the result of his 2-5 day. Greiving lined an opposite-field single into left to score the game's first two runs before doubling home another run in the 6th. Matt Thompson was 2-4 with two base-hits, while Blake Covin reached base in three of his five plate appearances following a three-walk afternoon. Covin also managed a RBI following a sacrifice fly in the 4th.

Aside from a three-run 2nd inning, freshman Ben Weber gritted his way to a solid outing. Weber pitched a career-best 6.0 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with two strikeouts. After seeing the Wildcats take a 3-2 lead in the 2nd, Weber proceeded to retire nine-consecutive hitters between the 3rd and 5th innings as he departed with an 8-4 lead.

Leading 9-4 to start the 7th, Zach Peters entered in relief of Weber. A double, hit-by-pitch, and an error quickly loaded the bases with no outs before Kansas State's Cole Johnson launched a grand slam to cut the Falcons lead to 9-8.

In the 8th, a one-out double forced Peters' exit in favor of Duke Benge. A base-hit, a run-scoring balk, and a two-run home run suddenly saw the Falcons trailing 11-9. The Wildcats added a run in the 9th with a solo home run to settle the final score.

Tuesday marks the eighth time this season the Falcons have surrendered 10+ runs, as Air Force is now 1-7 in such games.

The Falcons will close their midweek series against the Wildcats on Wednesday, March 29. First-pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm MT.

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