Tigers fall disgracefully to Tommy LaPour led win due to terrible performances by key players…

Wichita State expanded their lead significantly by scoring four runs in the seventh inning and seven more in the eighth, supporting another impressive performance by Tommy LaPour. This led to a decisive 14-1 victory over Memphis at FedExPark on Thursday night. The game was ended after eight innings due to the ten-run rule.

With this win, the Shockers (28-26, 14-11) secured a top-four seed in the American Athletic Conference tournament. This victory marks their sixth consecutive win, setting a new season record.

The scoring started in the fourth inning when Mauricio Millan drove in a run with an RBI single against Memphis pitcher David Warren (4-6). Jordan Rogers extended the lead to 3-0 with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, one of his two two-run shots of the game.

Heading into the seventh inning with a 3-0 lead, Wichita State further increased their advantage with another home run by Rogers, a sacrifice fly by Kam Durnin, and an RBI double from Josh Livingston. Although Memphis (22-31, 9-16) loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the seventh, they only managed to score one run on a wild pitch, making it 7-1.

Wichita State then exploded for seven runs in the eighth to put the run rule into play. The Shockers drew five walks in the inning and got RBI singles from Durnin, Seth Stroh and Dayvin Johnson off three different Memphis relievers.

The offensive outburst supported an excellent performance from LaPour (5-3), who allowed just one hit over six innings for a second consecutive start. The freshman right-hander struck out two and walked three, allowing just one runner to reach third base.

Jack Mount took it the rest of the way for Wichita State, striking out two over the final two innings of work.

Warren allowed six hits and three runs in 4.2 innings to take the loss for Memphis. Three Memphis relievers were tagged for at least three earned runs after his departure.

The Shockers drew a season-high 12 walks in the contest, including three apiece from Dayvin and Camden Johnson. Millan was hit twice, giving the Shockers 100 hit by pitches as a team in 2024.

Wichita State and Memphis continue the series on Friday night. First pitch of game two is scheduled for 6:00 pm.