Watch Kansas State vs Air Force on MLB.TV: Alex Coil Calls the Action Live from Sloan Park

Match date: 16 February 2026

Watch Kansas State vs Air Force on MLB.TV: Alex Coil Calls the Action Live from Sloan Park

College baseball enthusiasts can tune into MLB.TV tonight at 20:00 UK time to catch the thrilling Kansas State Wildcats facing off against the Air Force Falcons in the climax of the MLB Desert Invitational. With Alex Coil on main commentary duties, joined by co-commentator Will Ohman and reporter Jesse Borek, this NCAA Division I showdown at Sloan Park – the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs – promises expert insights and non-stop excitement as both teams vie for tournament glory.[1][2][6]

MLB.TV, a premier platform for baseball streaming, brings this high-stakes encounter directly to fans worldwide, making it accessible for both American and British audiences. While American viewers often flock to channels like ESPN, Fox, TBS, and MLB Network for major college matchups, today's broadcast leverages the world feed quality synonymous with MLB productions, ensuring crystal-clear visuals from the Mesa, Arizona venue. The service's reputation for seamless live streaming positions it as the go-to for international fans, especially with the 2 p.m. CT start time aligning perfectly with evening viewing in the UK.[3][4][6]

The Kansas State Wildcats enter this contest riding an unstoppable wave after a dominant 24-5 rout of Penn State on Sunday, their third straight win at the invitational. In that game, the Wildcats erupted for 14 runs in the seventh inning alone, powered by Dee Kennedy's two home runs, including a grand slam – his second of the season. Four players – Evasco, Gallagher, Kennedy, and Bolin – notched hits and reached base in all three tournament games so far, showcasing K-State's depth. Pitcher Lincoln Sheffield earned his eighth career win, underscoring the team's pitching prowess. Probable starter Tanner Duke, a right-hander, will toe the rubber against Air Force's Cranz Smelcer, setting up a classic pitchers' duel amid the desert heat.[1][2][4]

Meanwhile, the Air Force Falcons boast a 2-1 record entering Monday's finale, fresh off a 12-6 victory over UConn on Sunday at Salt River Fields. Their tournament began with a 15-3 mercy-rule win over Penn State on February 13 at Goodyear Ballpark, followed by a narrow 3-4 loss to Iowa. Standouts include seniors Walker Zapp (catcher, .999 OPS) and Joey Collier, named team captains by peers and coaches. Head coach Mike Kazlausky has instilled a focus on 'doing the little things correct,' with players like Kayden Bradshaw (.542 OPS) and Tripp Garrish (.914 OPS) providing offensive firepower. This matchup marks a rare clash between the programmes, adding intrigue to the all-time series.[5][9]

Sloan Park, nestled in Mesa, Arizona, serves as the picturesque backdrop for this encounter, its Cactus League facilities offering pristine fields and fan-friendly amenities. The MLB Desert Invitational, now in its seventh year, has become a staple of college baseball's opening weekend, drawing top NCAA Division I teams to compete under the spring training lights. Kansas State's tournament journey has been flawless thus far, outscoring opponents by a combined margin that highlights their explosive offence – 24 runs against Penn State alone featured multiple doubles from Kennedy and others.[1][10]

Leading the broadcast is Alex Coil, a seasoned commentator whose career spans decades in baseball media. With roots in college play at the University of Oklahoma, Coil transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, calling games for networks like ESPN and MLB affiliates. His encyclopedic knowledge of the college game, paired with a smooth delivery, has made him a fan favourite for Big 12 and national audiences. Joining him is Will Ohman, a former MLB pitcher who logged eight seasons with teams including the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. Ohman's expertise as a co-commentator shines through his analysis of pitching mechanics and strategic nuances, drawing from his 289 career appearances and transition into broadcasting post-retirement.[6]

Jesse Borek, the sideline reporter, brings a dynamic presence to the coverage. Previously featured on MLB Network calls for Desert Invitational games alongside Gregg Caserta and Dan O'Dowd, Borek's career includes stints covering minor leagues and college baseball for various outlets. His on-the-ground reporting from Sloan Park will deliver real-time updates, player interviews, and atmosphere insights, enhancing the viewer experience on MLB.TV.[10]

For fans unable to attend in person, MLB.TV offers multi-angle views, replays, and stats overlays, mirroring the production values of American giants like ESPN or Fox Sports. British viewers, in particular, appreciate the platform's geo-unblocking options and HD streams, timed ideally for prime evening slots. The 20:00 UK start (3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT) ensures no early wake-ups, allowing transatlantic audiences to enjoy without compromise.[3][6]

Kansas State's recent form positions them as favourites: their opening weekend swept victories over Iowa (15-6), UConn, and Penn State, with single-game tickets for the home slate at Tointon Family Stadium already generating buzz back in Manhattan. Air Force, however, counters with resilience – their captains Zapp and Collier lead a squad emphasising fundamentals under Kazlausky, whose tenure has revitalised Falcon baseball.[2][5]

Key storylines abound. Will K-State's bats, led by Kennedy's power surge, continue their barrage? Can Air Force's probable starters contain Duke's right arm? Viewers on MLB.TV will hear Coil's play-by-play capture every crack of the bat, Ohman's breakdowns of Smelcer's arsenal, and Borek's scoops from the dugouts. This game caps the invitational, with broader implications for both teams' Big 12 and independent schedules ahead.[4][7]

Beyond the action, the tournament underscores college baseball's growing alliance with MLB facilities. Sloan Park's state-of-the-art setup – from synthetic turf to outfield dimensions mirroring Wrigley Field – elevates the amateur game. Kansas State's schedule post-tournament features Big 12 clashes, including home dates against Arizona State and road trips to Louisiana, signalling a marquee season.[4]

Air Force's slate includes Mountain West matchups, but this invitational exposure boosts recruiting and visibility. Coach Kazlausky's emphasis on energy and precision has the Falcons primed for upsets, much like their tournament wins.[5][9]

To delve deeper, explore Kansas State Wildcats Baseball for full schedules and stats, Air Force Falcons Baseball for Falcon insights, and MLB Desert Invitational details for tournament recaps.

As the clock ticks towards 20:00 UK time, fire up MLB.TV for Alex Coil, Will Ohman, and Jesse Borek's coverage. Whether you're in Kansas, Colorado Springs, or across the pond in Britain, this Kansas State vs Air Force clash at Sloan Park is unmissable college baseball at its finest. Expect drama, dingers, and definitive commentary shaping the narrative of an early-season classic.

Article generated: 16 February 2026, 19:59 GMT