March 7, 2012
Final Stats
Wichita, Kansas - What began as a promising road tip ended in disappointment, as UT Arlington fell 5-1 to Wichita State on Wednesday afternoon at Eck Stadium.
The Mavericks were swept in the two-game series, having lost the opener 5-4 on Tuesday despite holding a 4-0 lead. UTA returned to Arlington with a 9-5 record after its third consecutive loss.
The Shockers (8-6) got to Mavericks starter Kennedy Winn (1-1) quickly, chasing the lefthander in the second inning. WSU leadoff hitter Taylor Doggett opened the game with a high-bouncing infield single, beating Winn to first. Doggett stole second and later scored on Johnny Coy's single to left.
The Shockers added four more runs in the second, all charged against Winn, and cruised from there. The Mavericks were only able to generate five hits.
The Mavericks did get consistent pitching out of the bullpen. The three UTA relievers - Michael Morales, Chad Nack and Adam Westbrook - didn't allow a run.
UTA did have its chances. The Mavericks had Daniel Garcia at third and Preston Morrow at second with two out in the sixth, but Michael Guerra popped up in foul ground to end the threat.
Matt Shortall did get UTA on the board in the seventh. The designated hitter stroked a home run a good ways over the 375-foot sign in left to end the shutout.
The Mavericks now jump into Southland Conference action Friday for the start of a three-game series with Texas State. The Bobcats were the preseason pick to win the league. First pitch Friday night is set for 6:30 p.m. at Clay Gould Ballpark.
