Kansas baseball team ties NCAA record with 5 straight home runs in 29-1 victory over Minnesota

A Historic Blowout: Kansas Jayhawks Make History Against Minnesota Golden Gophers

Wednesday turned out to be a day to remember for the Kansas Jayhawks as they took on the Minnesota Golden Gophers at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. The Jayhawks’ offense put on a show, defeating the Golden Gophers in a commanding 29-1 victory. This game wasn’t just a win; it was a historic moment in NCAA baseball history.

A Home Run Extravaganza: Tying an NCAA Record

The third inning became the highlight of the game as the Jayhawks achieved something extraordinary. In a span of just five consecutive at-bats, they hit five straight home runs, tying the NCAA record set back in 1992. This feat has never been seen in Major League Baseball, making it even more remarkable. The onslaught began with Chase Diggins’ three-run home run, setting the tone for the inning. Max Soliz Jr. followed up with a solo shot, and despite a pitching change by Minnesota, the Jayhawks continued their offensive barrage. Brady Counsell, Brady Ballinger, and Jackson Hauge each added their own home runs, making it a total of five in a row. Counsell, the son of former MLB player and Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, contributed to this historic moment.

Players’ Reactions: Shock and Excitement

The players were as stunned as the audience. "I’ve never been a part of anything like that," Counsell shared after the game. The reality of the situation sunk in gradually, and by the time the fifth home run was hit, the dugout erupted in excitement. Hauge, who hit one of the home runs, admitted he wasn’t fully aware of the unfolding record until his teammates alerted him after his at-bat. "When I got back in the dugout, they yelled, ‘Five!’ So it was pretty cool," he said. The energy in the stadium was electric as the team celebrated this unforgettable achievement.

A Look at the History Books

The Jayhawks joined an elite group of teams that have managed this incredible feat. Centenary was the first to do it in 1992, followed by Eastern Illinois in 1998, and most recently, South Carolina in 2006. Now, Kansas adds its name to this list with their performance. This game will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, marking a special chapter in the program’s history.

Dominant Victory Sets Another Record

The game ended after seven innings due to the mercy rule, with Kansas securing a 29-1 win. This margin of victory also set a new record for the largest margin against a Division I opponent, showcasing the Jayhawks’ dominance throughout the game.

A Day to Remember

This game was a testament to the power and potential of the Kansas Jayhawks. From the historic home runs to the dominant victory, every moment was a reminder of what makes college baseball so thrilling. For the players, coaches, and fans, this is a day that will be cherished and remembered for a long time.