Wichita ? After claiming a two-run lead in the top of the 10th inning, Kansas University’s baseball team was stunned by Wichita State University in the bottom of the frame, falling 5-4 on Wednesday at Eck Stadium.
The loss dropped the Jayhawks to 16-24 overall. The Shockers, who completed a home-and-home series sweep of KU, improved to 29-14.
Kansas starting pitcher Pete Smart worked seven innings, surviving two bases-loaded jams. He allowed two runs off eight hits.
KU scored first after senior Ryan Klocksien singled and was driven home by senior Jesse Gremminger’s double to left-center field in the third. Gremminger extended his career-long and current Big 12 Conference-best hitting streak to 16 games with the hit.
“Pete and Jesse and Brent (Del Chiaro) inspired us for the first seven innings,” KU coach Bobby Randall said. “Almost everyone who entered the game gave us a lift in one way or another.”
Kansas tied the score in the top of the ninth when Del Chiaro connected on a solo home run to left.
Kansas led off the 10th with a single by sophomore Casey Spanish, who advanced to second on an error. KU senior John Nelson then belted a double to score Spanish. Nelson later scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Klocksien.
Wichita State’s Justin McCarty homered to lead off the 10th. KU then walked two Shockers, who both scored on a soft liner to shallow left by WSU second baseman Brandon Green.
KU will play host to No. 3 Nebraska in a three-game series starting Friday at Hoglund Ballpark.
Wichita State 5, Kansas 4
EBurgamy, Walter. DPJayhawks 1. LOBJayhawks 6, Shockers 9. 2BNelson, Tribble, Gremminger. HRDel Chiaro, McCarty, Burgamy. CSVan Alsburg, Burgamy. SHTribble. SFKlocksien.
WPKeiter. BKSmart. HBPby Smart (McCarty). T2:47. A4,149. |
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