The Wichita State baseball team saw its season end earlier than the team had wished. The Shockers lost two games in the Valley tournament against Missouri State and Southern Illinois. The two losses ultimately ended the Shockers chances of getting into the NCAA Tournament, and their season.

Even with the abrupt ending of the season, the Shockers have seen individual accomplishments, with several players receiving individual honors.

Freshmen Kris Gardner, A.J. Ladwig and Casey Gillaspie were all named to the Louisville Slugger’s Freshmen All-America team. The Collegiate Baseball newspaper selected the players.

Gardner, a left-handed pitcher started 13 games for the Shockers this year and compiled a 5-2 record, with a 2.66 ERA.

Ladwig appeared in 17 games for WSU and complied a 4-1 record. Ladwig was one of 15 players selected to the team as a relief pitcher. The right-hander had a 3.14 ERA and struck out 32 batters with eight walks in 63 innings.

Gillaspie was chosen as one of the team’s five designated hitters. The freshman hit .274 with 10 doubles, eight home runs and 32 RBI.

Senior pitcher Josh Smith was selected in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Smith, a left-handed pitcher, in the 25th round. The Pirates selected Smith with the 766th overall pick. Smith went 6-4 this season with a 3.10 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 95.2 innings. Smith also earned honorable mention All-Valley honors.

Seniors Kevin Hall and Josh Smith were named to the 2012 Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Baseball Team. Players must have a 3.20 cumulative G.P.A and be a starter or important reserve to make the team. Hall was selected to the first team while Smith received honorable mention honors.