Rodriguez, Cox Homer, Tigers Drop Series Finale 7-3

Sunday, March 29

Memphis, Tenn.

1:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

8-18, 2-4

Wichita State

19-10, 19-10

Wichita State

Memphis

Rodriguez, Cox Homer, Tigers Drop Series Finale 7-3

Mar 29, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (8-18, 2-4 American) baseball team dropped the rubber match of its weekend series to Wichita State (19-10, 4-2 American), 7-3, on Sunday afternoon at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

Memphis was unable to keep pace with Wichita State after the Shockers used a pair of multi-run innings to take control midway through the game.

The Tigers finished with seven hits on the afternoon, highlighted by home runs from Freddy Rodriguez and Shane Cox, but stranded eight runners and went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Rodriguez led the way offensively, going 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run, while Cox added a solo shot of his own. Michael Gupton chipped in two hits, and Tyler Harrington drove in a run as part of Memphis' seven-hit effort.

On the mound, Seth Impson (1-1) took the loss after allowing four runs over 4.1 innings. The Memphis bullpen combined to allow three additional runs as Wichita State pulled away late.

Wichita State totaled 10 hits and capitalized on timely hitting, including a three-run seventh inning that proved to be the difference.

Memphis will look to bounce back when they host Arkansas State on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Wichita State struck first in the second inning on an RBI single from Alex Ulloa to take a 1-0 lead.
Memphis answered in the bottom half of the inning as Tyler Harrington drove in Michael Gupton with an RBI single of his own to tie the game at 1-1.
The Shockers regained the lead in the fourth on a solo home run from Jack Quick, making it 2-1.
Wichita State added two more in the fifth on RBI singles from Jayson Jones and Quick to extend the lead to 4-1.
Freddy Rodriguez cut into the deficit with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, trimming the score to 4-2.
Shane Cox launched a solo homer in the sixth to bring Memphis within one at 4-3.
Wichita State responded with a three-run seventh inning, using a sacrifice fly and a pair of RBI singles to push the lead to 7-3.
The Tigers were unable to mount a comeback over the final three innings as the Shockers closed out the win.

NOTABLES

Freddy Rodriguez and Shane Cox stole bases for the Tigers, bringing the team's season total to 62 steals, which ranks in the top 50 nationally.
- Rodriguez is 20-22 on the year.
- His 20 steals are the most by any player in the conference.
- Cox is now 6-7 on stolen base attempts this season.
Rodriguez and Cox also hit a solo home run each Sunday.
- The homer is Rodriguez's first of the season and eighth extra-bast hit.
- Cox's dinger was his third of the year.
- Cox recorded his tenth multi-hit game this season while Rodriguez notched his ninth, they rank first and second on the team in multi-hit games.
Center fielder Michael Gupton finished the day 2-for-4 with a double
- The double marked his 15^th extra-base hit, most of anyone on the team.
- Extended his 10-game hitting streak.
First baseman Tyler Harrington drove in the Tigers first run of the day with an RBI single.
- Recorded his tenth RBI of the season.

SCORING SUMMARY

Top 2:
Alex Ulloa singled, Jacob Gutierrez scored.
Memphis 0, Wichita State 1

Bottom 2:
Tyler Harrington singled, Michael Gupton scored.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 1

Top 4:
Jack Quick homered.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 2

Top 5:
Jayson Jones singled, Kaleb Duncan scored.
Jack Quick singled, Jaden Gustafson scored.
Memphis 1, Wichita State 4

Bottom 5:
Freddy Rodriguez homered.
Memphis 2, Wichita State 4

Bottom 6:
Shane Cox homered.
Memphis 3, Wichita State 4

Top 7:
Jayson Jones hit a sacrifice fly, Kaleb Duncan scored.
Owen Washburn singled, Jaden Gustafson scored.
Jacob Gutierrez singled, Jack Quick scored.
Memphis 3, Wichita State 7

UP NEXT

Memphis will be back at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field for its fifth straight home game on Tuesday, March 31 against Arkansas State. First pitch is set for 6:05 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.