WICHITA, Kan. -- BYU struck for five runs in the top of the eighth inning to blow open a close game, cruising to a 9-2 win over Wichita State on Tuesday afternoon at Eck Stadium.

The Cougars (23-23) led 4-1 entering the eighth but did damage against the Wichita State bullpen. Three walks all came around to score in the inning as Tate Gambill, Ryder Robinson and Cooper Vest all drove in runs to extend the Cougars lead to 9-1. The Shockers (15-32) got an RBI single from Josh Livingston in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin.

The BYU bullpen combined for 7.1 innings of one-run ball, highlighted by 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts from Jaden Harris (2-7). Colton Vercoe (0-1) was tagged with the loss for Wichita State, allowing three runs over three innings.

Gambill homered on the second pitch of the game to stake BYU to an early lead, which they extended to 3-0 in the second on a two-run single from Chipper Beck. Logan Kreske rifled an RBI double in the home half of the inning to get Wichita State on the board, but a Beck RBI groundout in the top of the fourth restored the three-run lead.

Wichita State used eight pitchers in the game, allowing 13 hits and six walks.

Camden Johnson led the Shockers offensively with three hits, including a double.

Wichita State is back in action on Friday night at Rice. First pitch from Houston is scheduled for 6:30 pm CT.