Shockers smash 31 runs, win opening series

The Shockers put up 31 runs in a three-game series against Northern Colorado over the weekend.

Wichita State took the series with two wins and one loss after coming short Sunday, a 4-3 loss.

Northern Colorado put 15 pitchers on the mound in the series, finally finding some success in game three.

Wichita State looked to sweep the series from Northern Colorado going into game three. The Bears back on their heels, two games behind the Shockers. Northern Colorado pitched their best game in the series with 13 strikeouts and four walks, leaving the Shockers with 12 runners left on base.

Shocker closer John Hayes recorded his first loss after a rough ninth inning. With a one-run lead in the ninth inning, Hayes walked two batters and allowed two hits resulting in two late run. The Bears took a 4-3 lead and ultimately secured the win.

WSU had a chance steal the game in the bottom of the ninth. Shocker outfielder Mikel Mucha reached second base, after being hit by a pitch and stealing second base.

Wichita State put the winning-run on base after the Bears walked Troutwine.  

With two outs, head coach Todd Butler called for a double-steal sending Mucha to third base and Troutwine to second. The play confused the Bears’ catcher, paying off big for the Shockers.

With the tying-run on third base and the winning-run on second, a base hit would end the game and sweep the series. But no Shocker would tag home plate, the last batter striking out looking.

Sam Tewes got his first win in game one pitching six innings with six strikeouts.

Willie Schwanke would also get his first win pitching four innings with five strikeouts in game two.

Wichita State shut out Northern Colorado in the season-operner, scoring 11 runs. Catcher Gunner Troutwine hit a three-run home-run in his first at bat for season giving the Shockers an early lead.

Freshman Alec Bohm added a two-run home-run in his first collegiate at-bat. In game two, Bohm added two hits and two RBI’s. In game three, Bohm would be intentionally walked at his only at bat appearance.

Shockers would take game two as well, putting up 17 runs to Northern Colorado’s two runs. The bottom of the third inning would end after 16 plate appearances resulting in seven hits, four singles, three doubles and nine runs. With bases loaded, Northern Colorado walked back-to-back hitters, allowing two Shockers to tag home plate.

The Shockers are next on the road to play at 3 p.m. Tuesday against Oral Roberts

SERIES RECAP

Game 1, Friday: W

11-0

Game 2, Saturday: W

17-2

Game 3, Sunday: L

3-4