WICHITA, Kan. — Late life from Wichita State was not enough in a 4-2 loss to Tulane on Thursday at Eck Stadium.
 
The loss for the Shockers (20-11, 4-3) was their first in a weekend series opener since a 7-6 defeat at Hawaii on Feb. 19.
 
Tulane (16-15, 3-4) scratched across the game's first run in the top of the first, bringing a runner home on an RBI single.
 
In the top of the third, Tulane capitalized with the bases loaded, lacing a two-RBI double down the right-field line to extend its lead to 3-0.
 
After neither team scored over the next three innings, Kaleb Duncan singled to right field to drive in Owen Washburn from third for Wichita State's first run of the game.
 
Tulane answered immediately, leading off the top of the eighth with a solo home run to take a 4-1 lead.
 
Down to their final three outs, the Shockers continued to fight. After a one-out double by Duncan, pinch hitter Nolan Ganter hit a ball up the middle and off the glove of the second baseman, driving in Duncan to cut the deficit to 4-2.
 
After recording the second out and making a pitching change, Tulane induced a groundout to end the game.
 
Matthew Cuccias (3-1) took the loss on the mound. He pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Reese Kortum and Amar Tsengeg were effective out of the bullpen for Wichita State, combining to throw 4.1 innings and allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts.
 
Eight different Shockers recorded a hit, with Duncan leading the way with two. Jayson Jones extended his hitting streak to 22 games with a single in the eighth inning.
 
The Shockers and Green Wave continue the series with game two on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.