WICHITA, Kan. – Kinzey Woody's grand slam in the sixth inning secured the series opener vs. Memphis, 8-2, Thursday night at Wilkins Stadium.
Wichita State (33-16,19-6) and South Florida remain tied for first after the Bulls took their series opener vs. North Texas.
Woody homered for the 14th time this season, while the grand slam was her third of the season. Twelve of her 14 homers have come against American Conference opponents.
Ausha Moore walked twice, singled and drove in two runs. With her two walks, she broke the single season walks record, surpassing the previous mark of 44.
Aeryn Shuman set a new season high with three hits.
Johnna Schroeder doubled and drove in the other two runs on the night.
Ryley Nihart (16-10) picked up the win in 5.1 innings. She allowed two runs on four hits, four walks and three strikeouts.
Jade Sanders recorded her first save of the season in 1.2 innings of relief. She struck out a pair to go with one hit and three walks.
It wasn't until the bottom of the third that Wichita State found the scoring column. Schroeder put one into the right-center gap for a two-run double, giving the Shockers a 2-0 lead.
Moore doubled the lead in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run single to right.
The Tigers broke up Nihart's shutout bid in the top of the sixth with a solo home run and a bases loaded walk. The Shockers avoided further damage on a fantastic play at third by Woody, snagging a sharp grounder and making the final out at first from her knees.
Woody's big blow came in the bottom of the sixth after the Tigers put Moore on for a second time. She blasted a no-doubter into the right-center bleachers to put the Shockers up 8-2.
Up Next
Wichita State and Memphis continue the series Friday night at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
