CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth to rally for a 4-3 win over Wichita State in game one of a crucial American Athletic Conference series Thursday night.
Wichita State (16-11, 7-3) had been 10-0 this season when leading after five innings. The loss spoiled a great outing from
Alex Aguilar in the circle. Aguilar received a no decision behind 5.0 strong innings, allowing only one run on three hits.
Chloe Barber came in to start the sixth, but walked the first batter and fell behind 3-0 on the next hitter and was pulled for
Lauren Howell. Howell (3-2) surrendered two runs, two hits and two walks in an inning of relief.
Addison Barnard went 2-for-4 with a home run.
Lainee Brown had two singles and an RBI.
CC Wong,
Bailey Urban and
Taylor Sedlacek all had one hit apiece.
Wichita State's offense gave Aguilar some early run support with a run in the top of the first. The first two Shockers reached on a Charlotte error and a single. Urban grounded into a productive double play, scoring Wong from third.
After three scoreless frames Wichita State tacked on one more in the top of the fifth. The Shockers loaded the bases for Brown who hit a sharp grounder to third, bouncing off the third baseman to allow the run to score.
In the home half of the fifth, Charlotte threatened a big inning, but was only able to get a single run on the board. The Niners broke up the shutout on an RBI single with runners on the corners. With two outs Aguilar froze the three-hole hitter, Kiyah Garrett, for an inning-ending strikeout, stranding two on base.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Niners put their first two batters on base via free passes. A single up the middle brought the tying run home. After a foul out, another single and a fielding error put the Niners up for the first time all game, 4-2.
A leadoff solo home run from Barnard made it a one-run game, but the next three Shockers went down in order.
Up Next
Wichita State and Charlotte meet on Friday at 5 p.m. CT in the second game of the series on ESPN+.
