BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Wichita State got a go-ahead, two-out single from
Owen Rush in the top of the 10th inning to knock off conference-leading UAB 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Young Memorial Field.
The Shockers (22-14, 6-5) evened the series against the Blazers (23-12, 8-3), handing UAB just their fifth home loss of the season.
Wichita State had a chance to close out the game in the bottom of the ninth, holding a 4-3 lead with
Brady Pacha on the mound. But UAB quickly tied the game, getting a leadoff triple from John Paul Head and an RBI single from Landon Beaver that knotted the game at 4-4. Pacha recovered to pick off Beaver and retire the next two hitters, sending the game to extras.
Jack Quick gave Wichita State a scoring chance in the top of the tenth with a one-out double, then moved to third on a ground out. That brought up Rush, who looped a 1-0 pitch into center for an RBI single that broke the deadlock.
Pacha (3-0) pitched around a two-out double in the bottom of the inning, getting Baylor Roberts looking on strikes to end the game and earn his third win.
Chase Ingram (1-3) suffered the loss for UAB.
For the second consecutive game, Wichita State took a quick 2-0 lead as
Ethan Gonzalez lifted a sacrifice fly and
Jacob Gutierrez punched an RBI single in the second to open the scoring. UAB cashed in three unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth and held that 3-2 lead into the top of the seventh.
Wichita State tied the game when
Nolan Ganter delivered a pinch-hit sacrifice fly, plating Quick after a double to lead off the inning. Gonzalez and Gutierrez then combined to inch the Shockers in front in the eighth, as Gonzalez led off the inning with a triple, and Gutierrez promptly singled him in.
Owen Washburn led the Shockers offensively with three hits on the day.
WSU starter
Dax Sharp turned in three scoreless innings to open the game, allowing just one hit while striking out two.
Brady Hamilton did not allow an earned run in his four innings of relief before handing the ball to Pacha, who took it the rest of the way.
The Shockers and Blazers conclude the series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm CT.
