Wayne State runs in six of seven innings and produced 20 runs on 14 hits and eight walks as the Wildcats downed Pittsburg State 20-10 in seven innings Sunday afternoon in non-conference baseball played in Pittsburg, Kansas. The Wildcats are now 1-1 while the Gorillas drop to 3-6.
The Wildcats got off to a quick start with five runs in the first inning.
Nick Barnett had a two-run homer for the big hit of the inning while
Chris Cornish added a two-run double and Travis Bailey produced an RBI single.
Andrew Hanson had a two-run homer in the top of the second, giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead.
After Pittsburg State scored one run in the bottom of the second, the 'Cats answered with a solo run in the top of the third on a
Noah Roberts single to make the score 8-1.
The Gorillas came up with three runs in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the Wildcat cushion to 8-4.
WSC responded with a four-run fourth inning to take a 12-4 lead.
Conner Fiene's three-run homer to left field was the big hit of the frame.
In the fifth inning, WSC scored on a sacrifice fly by
Colin Lynam while the Gorillas produced six runs in the bottom of the frame to turn the game into a 13-10 contest.
Wayne State then erupted for seven runs in the top of the sixth on just four hits to close out the scoring in the contest. Baily delivered a bases-loaded clearing double to score three runs while Cornish added an RBI double.
Nate Sailors added an RBI single.
Both teams had 14 hits in the contest. Cornish was 3 for 4 with a double, three RBI and four runs scored while Baily finished 3 for 5 with a double, four RBI and three runs scored.
Noah Roberts added two hits with a double, two RBI and two runs scored.
Fiene had a three-run homer while Barnett and Hanson each contributed two-run homers in the win.
Sophomore starter
Brody Sintek worked 4 2/3 innings in the contest. Sophomore reliever
Keean Allen earned the win firing 2 1/3 innings of relief, allowing on unearned run on four hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
The Wildcats and Gorillas conclude their three-game series Monday with a nine-inning contest starting at 1 p.m.