Wichita State Athletics
LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Wichita State banged out 16 hits and 12 runs but matched a program record with 18 runners left on base in an 18-12 loss to Kansas on Tuesday night at Hoglund Ballpark.
The Shockers (12-24) struck for four runs in the top of the first to grab control early. After a leadoff double from Camden Johnson, Kansas starter Malakai Vetock struggled with command, hitting one batter and walking another while throwing two wild pitches to score Johnson. Kam Durnin made it 2-0 with an opposite-field RBI single and Ryan Callahan yanked a two-run double into the right field corner for a 4-0 lead.
Kansas (28-10) got a run back in the bottom of the first, a tally the Shockers answered in the top of the second on a Kansas throwing error. But the Jayhawks erased the 5-1 deficit with a five-run bottom of the second, highlighted by a three-run homer off the bat of Jackson Hauge for a 6-5 lead.
Wichita State moved back in front with a pair of two-out RBI singles in the top of the fourth, one from Callahan and the other from Cole Dillon that inched WSU back in front, 7-6.
The Jayhawks took the lead for good with seven in the home half of the inning. The first eight batters reached base against the combination of Owen Reynolds (1-1) and Caleb Anderson, including three walks, two singles and a hit by pitch. When the dust had settled, Kansas held a 13-7 lead.
Callahan added to his spectacular day with a two-run single in the top of the fifth, giving him a career-high five RBI and pulling WSU to within 13-9. But Kansas fired right back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the inning for a 17-9 cushion.
Jaden Gustafson lashed an RBI single and Lane Haworth lifted a sacrifice fly in the sixth, cutting the margin back to 17-11. The teams traded single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to produce the final margin.
Thaniel Trumper (1-1) picked up the win for Kansas, working 1.1 innings out of the bullpen. Both teams used nine pitchers on the evening.
Camden Johnson led Wichita State with four hits, tying a career high. The Shockers were hit by eight pitches, setting a new program record.
The Shockers are back in action on Thursday evening at Florida Atlantic. First pitch of the series opener is scheduled for 5:30 pm CT.