Tulane splits doubleheader, takes series at Wichita State

WICHITA, Kan. – Tulane dropped the first game of its doubleheader at Wichita State but rebounded in the second to secure another series victory Sunday afternoon at Eck Stadium.

The doubleheader was made necessary after Saturday’s regularly-scheduled second game was rained out.

The Shockers won game one, a seven-inning affair, 6-3 before the Green Wave answered with a 10-4 win in a standard nine-inning contest.

Tulane now stands at 24-20 overall and 9-9 in the American Athletic Conference. Wichita State finished the series at 22-23 and 8-10 in the league. The Green Wave is now in a three-way tie with Charlotte and Florida Atlantic in the league’s standings.

It was the second straight in-league road series win for the Green Wave after it captured two of three at Florida Atlantic last weekend.

This is also the first time Tulane has won a series at Wichita State.

Game 1: Wichita State 6, Tulane 3

The Shockers scored the game’s first five runs and never looked back in a 6-3 win.

Second baseman Jordan Rogers and designated hitter Josh Livingston and Rogers scored twice for Wichita State.

Green Wave shortstop Marcus Cline went 2-for-3.

All four of Tulane’s hits were singles.

Catcher Colin Tuft, designated hitter Michael Lombardi and center fielder Teo Banks all registered RBI.

Shockers starter Caden Favors (6-4) allowed just two runs on two hits with four strikeouts and three walks.

Tulane starter Chandler Welch (5-2) took the loss, giving up six runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and two free passes.

Hunter Holmes recorded the game’s final out for his second save of the season after the Wave got the tying run to the plate.

Game 2: Tulane 10, Wichita State 4

The Green Wave overcame two early runs, exploding for 10 runs in the final six frames to take the 10-4 win in the second game of the doubleheader.

Banks had a three-run homer (fourth inning) and four RBI during the game, while first baseman Brady Marget and Tuft both went 3-for-5. Left fielder Gavin Schulz posted a 2-for-4 performance with two RBI and three runs scored. Marget and Schulz both doubled.

Right fielder Brock Slaton added a mammoth solo blast to center in the top of the eighth as well.

For Wichita State, right fielder Lane Haworth doubled twice and Rogers crushed a two-run homer to left center in the bottom of the third.

Green Wave reliever Michael Lombardi (3-3) got the win, tossing two and a third innings with three strikeouts and three walks. Jacob Moore went two innings for his fifth save of the season. In between, Carter Benbrook put up another fine outing, recording six outs with two strikeouts and one hit.

Shockers starter Tommy LaPour (3-2) suffered the defeat, giving up six runs on six hits with a strikeout and a walk. In all, Wichita State used eight pitchers.

Tulane’s pitchers stranded 13 Shockers during the game.

Banks currently has a six-game hitting streak and has reached base in 14 consecutive contests. He also sports team-highs in home runs (12) and RBI (40).

The Green Wave is now 17-1 when leading after five innings.

Tulane hosts Southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. on Greer Field at Turchin Stadium. The Lions (22-21) dropped two of three at McNeese State over the weekend.

The Olive and Blue lost an 8-7 contest in Hammond on March 12 in the first game between the two schools.