BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Wichita State picked up a series win at UAB after splitting Saturday's doubleheader, taking Game 1, 6-5, and falling in the finale, 4-1.

Wichita State (19-18-1, 7-7-1) has won three of its five conference series, but remains in search of its first sweep this season.

Game 1: Wichita State 6, UAB 5

Lauren Lucas led the offensive attack with a double, triple and three RBIs. Taylor Sedlacek (1-for-3, 2B) and Jodie Epperson added an RBI apiece.

After a rocky first two innings in the circle, Chloe Barber (4-6) settled in, recording four straight scoreless frames. She tossed her second complete game of the season, allowing four earned runs on a pair of walks and four strikeouts.

A leadoff single and stolen base from Ellee Eck turned into an early run for the Shockers after the Blazers committed an error off the bat of Lucas in the top of the first. UAB answered with two in the home half to take a 2-1 lead.

UAB extended its lead in the second to 3-1, but Barber limited the damage by stranding two on base.

Wichita State got a run back in the top of the third on an Epperson RBI single up the middle, cutting the UAB lead to 3-2.

In the top of the fifth, Wichita State retook the lead, 4-3, on a Lucas RBI triple and Sedlacek sac fly.

The Shockers got two more insurance runs in the sixth on a two-out, two-run double from Lucas, extending the margin to 6-3.

UAB made the Shockers sweat in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs to make it a one-run game. The Blazers had the winning run at the plate, but Barber put the finishing touches on her complete game with a swinging strikeout.

Game 2: Wichita State 1, UAB 4

Krystin Nelson had two of the five hits, both doubles to go with the only RBI.

After allowing two runs in the second, Ryley Nihart (5-4) retired 12 straight Blazers until the sixth inning. Nihart went the full 6.0 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

Wichita State drew first blood in the finale on a two-out RBI double from Nelson. The Blazers came right back two runs in the home half to take a 2-1 lead into the third inning.

After scoreless innings in the third, fourth and fifth, UAB added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth, grabbing a 4-1 lead.

Up Next
Wichita State and East Carolina open a three-game series at Wilkins Stadium on Friday, April 11 at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.