Wichita State used a pair of two-run home runs to beat Sam Houston State 4-3 Saturday at Don Sanders Stadium and even the series 1-1. The series deciding game will be played Sunday at 1 p.m.
“I thought that was a great game. Both teams played hard and competed. They got a couple of big knocks with guys on and that was the difference,” SHSU head coach Matt Deggs said. “It boils down to us having to execute a little better. We're going to keep getting better. Our sites are set on coming out tomorrow and winning the series.”
Sam Odom tossed six innings and allowed the four runs on eight hits. He struck out eight batters in the game and didn't issue any walks. The sophomore righty maneuvered around jams in the fifth and sixth innings.
The Shockers first blast came in the second inning when right fielder Zach Reding hit one out to right. Odom allowed a two-out single to third baseman Chase Rader before Reding's homer.
Wichita State doubled its lead in the top of the fourth inning with another two-run bomb, this time by Rader. The homer could have been just a solo shot if it weren't for a one-out error before the blast.
Things started to look up for the Bearkats in the bottom of the fourth when they exploded for three runs. First baseman Spence Rahm hammered a two-run opposite field homer to get the scoring started and Ryan Brinley followed it up with his first home run as a Bearkat.
Sam Houston would have a few other chances to score in the game but couldn't get any more runs across.
The seventh was the best opportunity the Kats had to level it up. Shortstop Jake MacWilliam opened the frame with an infield single and advanced to second on an error. Second baseman Ryan Farney singled to left field but MacWilliam was thrown out at the plate by a great throw from the left fielder.
Bearkat pitcher Seth Holbert was brilliant in relief. He tossed three scoreless innings and allowed just two hits.
Isaac Anderson picked up the win for the Shockers, tossing six innings and allowing three runs on five hits. Sam Hilliard, who started as the designated hitter, picked up the save with three innings of relief.
