MANHATTAN, Kan. (Interstat) — The Kansas State Wildcats will look to build on a potent offensive display and secure a series win when they host the SIU Edwardsville Cougars in the second game of a weekend set on Saturday at Tointon Family Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, though forecasts call for rain and a temperature near 68 degrees.

The Wildcats (8-3) dominated the series opener Friday, winning 14-5 behind a powerful lineup that produced 15 hits, including five home runs. Catcher Bear Madliak led the charge, going 2 for 4 with two homers and four RBIs. First baseman Ty Smolinski was a perfect 4 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs, while right fielder AJ Evasco drove in five runs.

Kansas State has won seven of its last eight games.

The Cougars (5-9) have lost three straight and will need to find an answer for Kansas State’s bats. Their brightest spot in Friday’s loss was right fielder Terrick ThompsonAllen, who continued his hot hitting by going 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs. Over his last 10 games, ThompsonAllen is batting .325 with four homers and 14 RBIs.

SIUE’s pitching staff, which has a 7.36 team ERA, will be tested again by a Wildcats offense averaging over nine runs per game during its current hot streak.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Kansas State 7, SIU Edwardsville 3.

Following Saturday’s contest, the series concludes Sunday at Tointon Family Stadium. SIU Edwardsville then returns home to face Southern Illinois on Tuesday. Kansas State hosts Wichita State on Tuesday before a three-game road series at Houston next weekend.