Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics
WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State scored nine runs in the first two innings and got a dominant start from Tyler Dobbs to breeze past Nebraska 9-3 on Wednesday night at Eck Stadium.
The Shockers (10-6) scored eight of their nine runs with two outs, beginning with a four-run bottom of the first. With two on and two out, Ryan Callahan ripped an RBI single to get the scoring started, followed by a two-run triple from Jordan Rogers that made it 3-0. Seth Stroh followed with a bouncer to second that Rhett Stokes threw away, bringing home Rogers for a 4-0 advantage.
Derek Williams lashed an RBI single in the second that swelled the lead to 5-0, followed by a walk and an infield single that loaded the bases for Stroh. On a 1-2 pitch, Stroh launched a towering blast to right field that nearly cleared the berm beyond the right field fence for a grand slam and a 9-0 lead.
That was more than enough support for Dobbs (3-1), who allowed a leadoff double in the first and no hits afterward over five sparkling innings. The freshman struck out a career-high six without issuing a walk, retiring 14 of the final 16 batters he faced.
Daniel Zang allowed a run in the sixth on an RBI groundout before handing the ball to Caleb Anderson for a pair of scoreless frames that got the Shockers to the ninth with a 9-1 lead. Nebraska hit a pair of solo home runs with two outs in the ninth, the second an inside-the-park home run from pinch-hitter Max Buettenback, before Hunter Holmes came on to record the final out on a diving catch by shortstop Kam Durnin.
Nebraska starter Ryan Harrahill (0-1) took the loss in his collegiate debut, allowing four hits and four runs in one inning of work. The Huskers (10-5) used eight pitchers on the evening.
Wichita State continues the homestand with a three-game series this weekend against Gonzaga. First pitch of Friday's series opener is scheduled for 6:00 pm.