Creighton dominates Kansas 11-4 in Fayetteville showdown

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    FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — During the Fayetteville Regional on Friday, the No. 3 seed Creighton secured an impressive 11-4 victory against Kansas, the second seed, spearheaded by Nolan Sailors’ stellar performance, who nearly completed the cycle with four RBIs. Creighton’s upcoming challenge is against top-seeded Arkansas on Saturday, while Kansas will face a do-or-die situation against No. 4 seed North Dakota State earlier in the day.

    In a pivotal moment, Sailors’ two-run double initiated a momentum shift during Creighton’s remarkable seven-run sixth inning, breaking a 3-3 tie and setting a commanding lead. He was also instrumental in the third inning by drawing a walk with the bases loaded, contributing to a 3-2 advantage for the Bluejays. Additionally, Sailors knocked a two-out solo homer in the seventh, marking Creighton’s final score of the match. Despite a triple to lead off the fifth inning, Sailors was left on base.

    The top three hitters in Creighton’s lineup—Tate Gillen, Matt Scherrman, and Sailors—proved vital, each producing three hits and collectively batting 9-for-15, driving in six runs, and scoring five times between them.

    In relief, Ian Koosman (9-4) delivered a strong performance, allowing just one run on two hits over four innings, earning the victory for Creighton. Starting pitcher Dominic Cancellieri gave up three runs on four hits over his four innings. Kansas’ Dominic Voegele (7-5) struggled, conceding seven earned runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.

    This event is notable for Kansas as it’s their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and first since 2014. The Jayhawks’ debut was in 1993 when they made their sole advance to the College World Series. On the other hand, Creighton has participated in 12 tournaments, with their last College World Series berth in 1991.