WICHITA, Kan. -- After scoring 27 runs through the first two games of the series against Louisiana Tech, Wichita State was limited to just one run on seven hits in the finale as the Bulldogs claimed a 7-1 win on Sunday afternoon at Eck Stadium.
The Shockers (7-13) were stymied by Louisiana Tech starter Brooks Roberson (1-1), who worked 7.1 innings while allowing just the one run. Roberson struck out four and walked one, exiting with two on in the bottom of the eighth after
Camden Johnson broke up the shutout with an RBI single. Bulldogs closer Blake Hooks got the final two outs of the eighth and then struck out three in the ninth to nail down the win.
Wichita State starter
Jace Miner (1-3) matched Roberson pitch-for-pitch through four innings, holding the Bulldogs (11-9) without a hit. But the southpaw ran into command problems in the fifth, hitting two batters and walking two more to force in the game's first run. It appeared the Shockers would get out of the inning with just one run across, but a two-out fly ball off the bat of Garrison Berkley was dropped in center field, scoring three more runs for a 4-0 Louisiana Tech lead.
Brody Drost provided insurance for the Bulldogs in the top of the eighth, lining a two-run single to left for a 6-0 cushion. Michael Ballard plated the final run of the day with an RBI double in the top of the ninth.
Wichita State out-hit Louisiana Tech, 7-5, led by
Mauricio Millan's two hits. Millan also threw out two Louisiana Tech baserunners behind the plate.
The Shockers do not have a midweek game next week, but will open up American Athletic Conference play next Friday at Tulane. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 6:30 pm CT.