Box Score

WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to break a 4-4 tie and defeated New Mexico 8-6 in game two of a three-game series.

Chase Williams got the start and had a strong outing throwing six innings, giving up six hits, with four runs and career-high nine strikeouts. Ray Ashford got the win throwing 2.1 innings, while giving up two runs.

Daniel Kihle and Ryan Tinkham led the way for the Shockers. Kihle went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two stolen bases. While Tinkham extended his hitting streak to 21 games, going 2-for-5 with a home run.

Tyler Stevens got the start for the Lobos and threw five innings of four-run baseball. The bullpen took over from there with Preston Ryan getting the loss giving up all three runs in the seventh inning.

The Shockers opened the game with a hit parade. Daniel Kihle, Ryan Tinkham and Sam Hilliard had back-to-back-to-back singles, which combined with a pitching error led to two runs in the first inning.

The Lobos answered back in the top of the second with Jack Zoellner hitting a solo-shot to right field.

The hits just kept coming for the Shockers in the bottom half of the second as Trey Vickers and Mikel Mucha both hit singles with two outs then Daniel Kihle followed that up with an RBI single. After two complete the Shockers led 3–1 and had a total of six hits.

While the Shockers were having a hit parade in their half of the inning, the Lobos continued to put the ball over the fence. In the top of the third, Luis Gonzalez hit another solo home run to bring their deficit to 3–2.

The two out hits continued for the Shockers as Chase Rader got a double, then Tanner Kirk hit a double into the corner to score Rader and give them a 4 -2 lead after three.

In the top of the fifth, the Lobos tied the game at four courtesy of a two-run single from Carl Stajduhar.

Ryan Tinkham opened the bottom of the seventh with a bang, as he hit a leadoff home run to center field to give the Shocks a 5-4 lead. It was his second home run in as many games. The inning was not over though as the Shockers continued to feast on the Lobos relief pitching as they scored two more runs on a Bob Arens single. This brought the score to 7-4 after seven innings.

Then in the bottom of the eighth, Daniel Kihle walked and then stole second and third base. Hilliard followed that up with a single to score one and bring the lead to 8–4.

The Lobos made it interesting in the top of the ninth. Luis Gonzalez hit his second home run of the game, this time of the two-run variety. This brought the score to 8 – 6. Ashford kept them there as he got the next batter to fly out to center and end the ball game.

The Shockers and Lobos finish the series on Sun., April 26 at 1 p.m. at Eck Stadium.

-Wichita State-