Box Score WICHITA, Kan. – No. 34 Wichita State used a pair of eight-run innings Sunday to take the finale of a three-game series 21-2. The Shockers swept the three-game season-opening series from the Cougars.
Jarrett Bednar (0-1) made his first start at the Division I level, allowing nine runs, six earned, on seven hits in just 1 1/3 innings.
"He got behind in some counts," SIUE Head Coach Tony Stoecklin said. "He didn't get his fastball down. They're a good hitting team and they capitalized on his mistakes."
Six other pitchers worked for the Cougars. Evan Martens allowed four earned runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings. Martens walked one and struck out one. Brett Thomas surrendered six in 2/3 of an inning. He struck out two and walked two. Caleb Wilkerson worked 1 1/3 innings allowing two runs on four hits.
J.D. Williams and P.J. Schuster combined for three scoreless innings. Williams allowed just a hit and struck out two in 1 2/3 innings. Schuster struck out one and allowed two hits in 1 1/3 innings.
"There were a couple of bright spots today," Stoecklin said. "J.D. Williams and P.J. Schuster pitched well. We're going to need them to continue to pitch well."
The Cougars managed just three hits against six Shockers pitchers, scoring single runs in the third and ninth innings.
"They ran some pretty good pitchers at us," Stoecklin said. "Overall we took some pretty poor at-bats today."
Austin Verschoore doubled with one out in the third and scored the Cougars first run of the on a Shockers' error. Devin Caldwell doubled to open the SIUE ninth inning. Brian Sipe drove in Caldwell with a two-out single.
Wichita State State starter Garrett Brummett earned the win allowing a run on one hit and striking out two.
Cody Bobbit was 4 for 5 with three RBIs and three runs for Wichita State. Parker Zimmerman was 4 for 5 with two RBIs. Casey Gillaspie and Micah Green each had two hits and four RBIs for the Shockers.
The Cougars are off until beginning at four-game series at New Mexico State Friday.
"We found out what we need to work on this weekend," Stoecklin said. "We're going to get back home and work on those things."
