MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Despite a late 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, a WSU home run from designated hitter Johnny Coy tied the game and swung the momentum in the Shockers’ favor.
With two people on base after following the home run, a line drive to left field allowed junior Erik Harbutz to slide through catcher Cadet 1st Class Garrett Custons for a Wichita lead.
“It was a great game tonight," said Mike Kazlausky, AFA men’s baseball head coach. “They scored the runs late and we didn’t capitalize on the opportunities we had. They’re a good program and a great team, so it was exciting for us to be here.”
The Academy ended the game with one hit compared to the Shockers’ seven.
Academy pitchers Cadet 4th Class Steven Trojan and Cadet 1st Class Ben Bertelson threw a combined 13 strikeouts and 74 thrown pitches each in the first seven innings of the game.
“Both teams fought pretty hard,” said Bertelson. “They just wanted it more.”
The Academy left the game with a record of eight wins and 14 losses while WSU took their 13th win against 11 losses.