Shockers Down 49ers in Conference Opener

Wichita State rallies with five-run fifth inning to take down Charlotte in American Conference baseball action

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:25am

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Wichita State University's baseball team used a five-run fifth inning and strong relief pitching to defeat the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49ers 8-3 in the American Conference opener at Eck Stadium on Friday night. The Shockers overcame an early 2-1 deficit with the big fifth inning, getting key hits from several players to take control of the game.

Why it matters

This was the conference opener for both teams, so the win gives Wichita State an early advantage in the American Conference standings. The Shockers are looking to build on a strong 16-8 start to the season, while Charlotte was 14-8 coming into the game.

The details

Wichita State starting pitcher was forced to exit the game early due to an apparent injury, but the Shocker bullpen stepped up, with Morrison, Reed, and Pacha combining to allow just one run over 5.2 innings. Charlotte took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning, but Wichita State responded with a five-run fifth, highlighted by RBI hits from Rush, Ulloa, and Jones. The Shockers then added two more runs in the sixth to pull away.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • The five-run fifth inning for Wichita State occurred in the bottom of that frame.

The players

Wichita State University

The baseball team from Wichita State University, a Division I program that competes in the American Athletic Conference.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The baseball team from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Division I program that also competes in the American Athletic Conference.

Cuccias

The Wichita State starting pitcher who had to exit the game early due to an apparent injury.

Morrison

A Wichita State relief pitcher who helped stabilize the game after Cuccias' departure.

Reed

The Wichita State pitcher who picked up the win with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

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What they’re saying

“This was a big conference win for us to start the season. Our bullpen did a great job of keeping us in the game after the early exit, and the offense came through with a big inning to take control.”

— Wichita State Head Coach

What’s next

The Shockers and 49ers will continue their three-game series on Saturday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.

The takeaway

Wichita State showed its resilience in overcoming an early deficit and getting contributions from throughout the lineup to win the conference opener. The Shockers' ability to rally and get strong relief pitching bodes well as they look to contend in the American Conference race.