Scores: Nebraska 5, Wichita State 4 – Kansas State 5, WSU 2
Records: WSU 21-15, Nebraska 22-13, Kansas State 19-13
Bottom line: WSU has to score more than six runs in two mid-week games. Nine strikeouts and three walks against Kansas State ended any momentum the Shockers gained with a 2-0 lead.
Mid-week marvels: CF Kevin Hall went 3-9 and drove in two runs and SS Tyler Grimes went 3-8 and scored two runs. The only real good news came from the pitching staff. Reliever Brian Flynn looked sharp with six strikeouts against Nebraska. Reliever Albert Minnis threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings against Kansas State. Freshman starter Zach Beringer had his moments against Nebraska, striking out four in 3 2/3 innings, to suggest he can contribute more. With Tim Kelley’s season in question, WSU needs every pitcher to step up. Grimes made a big-league play in the ninth inning to get a speedy runner at first base against Nebraska.
Mid-week woes: DH Preston Springer went 1-7. 1B Johnny Coy homered Tuesday, but went 0-3 against the Wildcats. Grimes committed errors No. 17 and No. 18, one in each game. The margin of victory in both games came from unearned runs. The Shockers don’t enough offense to compensate for defensive mistakes. They aren’t going to solve their problems until they shore up at that area.
What’s next: WSU plays host to Evansville in an MVC series beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Aces (18-12 overall) are 0-3 in the MVC after being swept at home by Southern Illinois.