Coming off a mid-week extra inning win against Grand Canyon University to close out the most recent homestand, Arizona State (15-5, 2-1 Big 12) hits the road for a tough matchup against Kansas State (16-5, 2-1 Big 12). The Sun Devils have yet to play Kansas State in conference play but lead the all-time series with a 5-2 record, with a 9-6 win in the most recent matchup in 2024.
Two four 📈 @BaseballAmerica #ForksUp /// #Onward pic.twitter.com/jMbabz9Io0
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) March 16, 2026
While not getting the same love in the D1Baseball.com Top 25, the strong play by the Sun Devils has earned recognition from Baseball America, landing at No. 24 in this week's rankings. Collectively, the Sun Devils lead the conference with 41 home runs and rank second with a .336 batting average, led by Landon Hairston who has been tearing the cover off the ball. His .429/.516/.857/1.373 slash line leads the team in all categories, and his 8 home runs are second only to Dean Toigo's 9. Four Sun Devils have hit at least 5 home runs to open the season, with Dominic Longo (6) and Nu'u Contrades (5) joining Hairston and Toigo.
Kansas State is no slouch at the plate, ranking 3rd in the conference with a .320 average and second with 203 runs scored. Speedster Dee Kennedy sets the tone out of the leadoff spot, slashing .392/.515/.838/1.353 with 13 stolen bases in 14 attempts to open the season. His power numbers have jumped considerably, smacking 9 HR with 35 RBI after putting up 11 HR and 43 RBI in 2025. Ty Smolinski has emerged as a regular part of the lineup after playing in a utility role as a freshman, with Carlos Vasquez and AJ Evasco filling out a potent heart of the lineup that averages 9.7 runs per game.
Injury Update
Speculation surrounds when Contrades could return to the lineup. There was hope that he could have seen some pinch hitting duty against either TCU or Grand Canyon, with no firm updates on his status for this weekend.
How to Watch
Cole Carlon is in line to get the start for today's 4pm first pitch from Tointon Stadium, looking to bounce back from a tough series opening no-decision against TCU. This game will be streaming on ESPN+ (subscription required), and will be carried on the Sun Devil Radio Network on KDUS AM 1060.
Betting Information
Arizona State comes in as the slight road favorite (-122) according to FanDuel Sportsbook, while Kansas State is the underdog at -104. No lines available on spread or total runs.