The American Conference Championship seemed poised for a Wichita State victory on Thursday night, but a late surge by Rice turned the script upside down.
A Lead That Slipped Away
The Shockers had built a 4-2 lead with single runs in the second, third, fourth, and fifth innings, each rally sparked by timely hits and aggressive base running that kept the pressure on Rice.
Rice's Ninth-Inning Surge
Rice starter Tanner Wiggins was unable to maintain the advantage, and the WSU bullpen held firm until the ninth inning, when the Owls struck back with a solo home run from Kutter-Gage Webb that tied the game at 4-4.
The decisive moment arrived when Rice catcher Lorenzo Rios bunted back to the mound, and Brady Hamilton's throw to third base sailed wide, allowing Jacob Devenny to cross the plate with the winning run.
Looking Ahead
The Shockers will now meet the loser of UTSA or the winner of Memphis and UAB in a final showdown on Friday, hoping to rebound from a heartbreaking loss that saw Zachary Fechtel earn the win for Rice with scoreless eighth and ninth innings.
Key contributors for Wichita State included Kaleb Duncan, Owen Washburn, Zeb Henry, and Reese Kortum, while Rice relied on the arms of Tanner Wiggins, Zachary Fechtel, and a clutch performance from Brady Hamilton.