Kansas falls to Wichita State in midweek action, 6-0
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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas’ offense was silenced in midweek action as the Jayhawks fell to Wichita State, 6-0, on Tuesday night at Arrocha Ballpark at Rock Chalk Park.
KU’s (21-19, 3-6 Big 12) hitters were shutout for just the third time this season and held to three hits, while the Shockers (23-14, 8-4 MVC) connected on 10 hits in their 23rd victory of the year.
“Wichita State is a very good team with a really good pitcher,” said head coach Megan Smith. “It’s great to face tough pitching in the midweek’s to prepare for what we will see during conference play on the weekends. We didn’t click offensively and have enough quality at-bats. It took us a little long to get going and with an offense as good as theirs, we dug ourselves a hole.”
WSU’s ace senior Katie Malone improved to 20-8 in the circle with the win. She struck out five in six shutout innings and limited KU’s offense to just three hits. Two of the hits she gave up were in her final inning in the circle.
In the top of the second, Wichita State took the lead after scoring three runs on three base hits. The Shockers loaded the bases before starter Alexis Reid and the Jayhawks could retire the side. Despite the bases full of WSU runners, Kansas got out of the jam without further damage.
Through the first three innings, Kansas’ offense managed to get two runners on base via hit by pitch and walk. Both Jayhawks were stranded without being able to advance further than first base.
Wichita State increased its lead in the top of the fourth frame with one run on one hit. An RBI single to left field from junior infielder Mackenzie Wright extended WSU’s lead, 4-0, heading into the bottom half of the inning.
Junior designated player Harli Ridling broke up Malone’s no-hitter in the fifth frame with an infield single, but the Shockers cleared the bases on the next batter with a double play to keep their shutout intact.
Freshman hurler Mandy Roberts took over in the circle for Reid in the sixth. Reid struck out five WSU batters and allowed four earned runs in five innings of work. The sophomore dropped to 13-12 on the season.
In the sixth, WSU’s Wright drove in her second run of the game with a solo shot over the fence in left field. The first Shocker home run of the game increased WSU’s advantage, 5-0, over the Jayhawks. Following the long ball, junior Sarah Miller entered in relief. She struck out one batter and allowed two hits in one and two-thirds innings pitched.
Kansas left two more runners on base in the sixth after junior outfielder Mikayla Warren recorded a pinch hit single, KU’s second hit of the game. The lead runner was cleared on a fielder’s choice, but the Jayhawks’ second hit of the frame, a single from junior Erin McGinley, gave Kansas two runners on with two outs. Despite KU getting its first runner in scoring position, Wichita State retired the side before a Jayhawk could cross home plate.
Wichita State added a run in the seventh frame to increase its lead, 6-0, over Kansas. The Jayhawks weren’t able to get anything going offensively and the Shockers won their second-straight game over KU with the 6-0 victory.
UP NEXT
Kansas hosts No. 12 Oklahoma for a three-game Big 12 series April 13-15 at Rock Chalk Park. All three games will air on the Jayhawk Radio Network, while the final game of the weekend will air on FSN.
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