Wichita State edges LA Tech, 4-3

WICHITA, Kan. – The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs dropped a Saturday afternoon game 4-3 to the Wichita State Shockers at Eck Stadium.

Tech (10-5) allowed just four hits in the loss, but only managed three of their own against three Shocker pitchers.

Tyler Follis cruised through the early innings for the Bulldogs, retiring 10 straight batters after a leadoff single. The senior ran into trouble in the fifth inning when runners reached second and third with one out. Follis bounced back for two strikeouts, ending the threat.

The Shockers (12-2) got to Follis just once – in the fourth inning. Hunter Gibson launched a two-run home run to right field, opening the scoring.

Parker Bates responded in the top of the sixth. Shocker starter Liam Eddy was already in trouble after a walk and an error when senior lifted the first pitch he saw over the wall in right, scoring three Bulldogs.

Wichita State retook the lead after a miscue in the 7th. A walk and double put runners on first and third before Casey Ouellette’s pickoff attempt got by Manny Garcia. Alex Jackson scored from third and Cade Clemons raced all the way around to replace him. A sacrifice fly drove in Clemons one batter later.

The Shockers added another run in the ninth. Two Bulldogs walked the bases loaded with one out, but Beau Billings limited the damage to just one run.

Tech nearly made a comeback in the ninth inning. The Bulldogs put runners on first and third with two outs, but Kyle Hasler’s long fly ball was caught a foot from the left field wall.

Louisiana Tech will look to avoid the sweep on Sunday. The Bulldogs return to Eck Stadium to square off with the Shockers at 12 p.m.