The UTSA Roadrunners visited the Wichita State Shockers for a three-game series this past weekend at the Wilkins Stadium in Wichita, Kansas. The ‘Runners fell to the Shockers in all three games, getting out-scored 30-2.
All three games of the weekend ended with the same result — the Roadrunners (9-24, 1-8) getting run-ruled and Wichita State (16-10, 7-2) getting an easy win. The journey to each devastating loss, however, followed a different narrative.
Friday’s doubleheader showed the only offensive success of the series for UTSA with an RBI off the bat of senior designated player Erykah Guerrero in the top of the fifth inning. This play led to two runs scored, one being a result of a fielding error by the Shockers. The ‘Runners collected six hits in the shortened five-inning game, also leaving seven potential runs on base.
Defensively, UTSA committed two errors, one leading to a run scored. Senior pitcher Jamie Gilbert started the game and only went three innings before being replaced. She finished her time on the mound with three innings pitched, nine hits allowed, three earned runs and four strikeouts.
It was the ‘Runners’ inability to drive in necessary runs that caused them to take the first loss of the series with a final score of 10-2.
Friday’s second game included only two hits and zero Roadrunners making it all the way around the diamond. Pitching issues began early when senior starting pitcher Kenzi Schultz could only manage to go one complete inning, where she gave up four hits and four earned runs. On the field, UTSA committed two errors, which has increased their season total to 44.
Their lack of offense and early struggles in the circle caused the ‘Runners to drop the second game of the double-header 8-0.
The series’ final game on Saturday was an abysmal performance for UTSA on both sides of the ball. The Roadrunners only managed to get one hit en route to scoring zero runs and the pitching staff gave up seven home runs which led to the Shockers scoring 12. On the bright side, UTSA managed to record zero errors thanks to most of the opponent’s hits finding their way over the fence.
The Shocker’s homerun frenzy propelled them to collect the third game and the sweep over UTSA with a final score of 12-0.
The Roadrunners searched for different narratives in hopes of finding a better result, but sometimes it takes more than three attempts to do so.
UTSA’s next game will be against Lamar University at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Roadrunner Field.
