Memphis Drops Series Opener to Wichita State, 7-3

Friday, March 27

Memphis, Tenn.

6:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

7-17, 1-3

Wichita State

18-9, 18-9

Wichita State

Memphis

Mar 27, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (7-17, 1-3 American) baseball team fell to Wichita State (18-9, 3-1 American), 7-3, Friday evening at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

Memphis totaled six hits on the night but was unable to keep pace with Wichita State's offense, which capitalized on key opportunities early and added insurance late to secure the win. The Shockers scored in five different innings, including a two-run second and sixth, to build separation.

Michael Gupton, Cade Hitson and Freddy Rodriguez each recorded hits for the Tigers, while Hitson drove in two runs and scored once. Javon Hernandez delivered an RBI single in the sixth inning to account for one of the Tigers' best offensive moments of the night.

On the mound, Will Howell (2-4) was charged with the loss after allowing four runs across five innings. The Memphis bullpen combined to strike out five batters, highlighted by Jacob Dienes' two strikeouts and 1.1 hitless innings, but Wichita State continued to apply pressure offensively throughout the game.

Memphis will continue its series with Wichita State tomorrow for game two. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Wichita State struck first in the second inning, scoring two runs on an RBI single and an RBI walk to take a 2-0 lead.
Memphis answered in the bottom half of the inning as right fielder Cade Hitson drove in Shane Cox on a fielder's choice to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Shockers added a solo home run in the third to extend their lead to 3-1.
Wichita State pushed the advantage to 4-1 in the fourth with an RBI double.
In the top of the sixth, the Shockers came up with another big single to plate two more runs.
Memphis responded in the bottom of the sixth, scoring twice on RBI singles from Cade Hitson and Javon Hernandez to trim the deficit to 6-3.
The Shockers added an insurance run in the ninth on a solo home run to push the final score to 7-3.

NOTABLES

Freddy Rodriguez stole two bases for the Tigers as they combined for six on the day, bringing the team's season total to 55 steals, which ranks in the top 50 nationally.
- Rodriguez is 18-20 on the year.
- His 18 stolen bases are tied for the most in the conference.
- Also collected his eighth multi-hit game of the year, the second most on the team.
Right fielder Cade Hitson led the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
- Hitson, a now regular starter for Memphis, has been surging offensively recently, hitting .387 with two homers and nine RBI in the ten games he's played in this season.
After drawing a walk on Friday, second baseman Shane Cox continued his 23-game streak of reaching base safely.
- Cox has recorded at least one hit in 19 of 24 games this season.
- Cox continues to lead the Tigers in batting average (.341), hits (31) and doubles (9).

SCORING SUMMARY

Top 2:
Owen Rush singled, Alex Ulloa scored.
Ethan Gonzalez walked, Kaleb Duncan scored.
Memphis 0, Wichita State 2

Bottom 2:
Cade Hitson reached on a fielder's choice, Shane Cox scored.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 2

Top 3:
Jaden Gustafson homered.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 3

Top 4:
Owen Rush doubled, Kaleb Duncan scored.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 4

Top 6:
Jacob Gutierrez singled, Owen Rush and Ethan Gonzalez scored.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 6

Bottom 6:
Cade Hitson singled, Michael Gupton scored.
Javon Hernandez singled, Cade Hitson scored.
Memphis 3, Wichita State 6

Top 9:
Jayson Jones homered.
Memphis 3, Wichita State 7

UP NEXT

The Tigers will look to tie up the series on Saturday afternoon at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.