Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita State pitcher Tim Kelley threw five shutout innings to lead the No. 23 Shockers to a 5-0 season-opening win against Niagara Friday afternoon at Eck Stadium.

Kelley allowed three hits and struck out six batters. Catcher Chris O'Brien hit 2-for-4 and batted in two runs to pace Wichita State in front of a crowd of 3,224.

Niagara pitcher Joel Klock was credited with the loss, pitching seven innings and allowing seven hits. Third baseman Brian Deering led Niagara with two hits.

Friday marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams and Wichita State's first game against a team from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The Shockers improved to 26-8 in season openers and 60-0 all-time at home in the month of February.

A single to left field from Garrett Bayliff scored Don Lambert in the bottom of the second inning for a 1-0 Shocker lead.

O'Brien's single in the bottom of the third inning scored Preston Springer and Kevin Hall for a 3-0 lead. Lambert's double to right field later in the inning scored Erik Harbutz and O'Brien for a 5-0 lead.

The three-game series between the teams continues with a 2 p.m. game Saturday and concludes with a noon game Sunday at Eck Stadium.

 

 - Wichita State -