WICHITA, Kan. ? The potent Indiana State offense was shut out on Friday night by Wichita State and starter Tim Kelley, who gave up just four hits to the Sycamores (28-14, 10-4 MVC) en route to a 2-0 complete game shutout for the Shockers (24-20, 8-5 MVC) at Eck Stadium.
ISU starter Eric Valdez (4-3) suffered the loss, after allowing just two earned runs on eight hits while striking out eight Shocker hitters in eight innings of work. However, Kelley was a bit better as he allowed just four hits while striking out 11 Sycamore hitters in the complete game shutout win.
After being retired in order in the first inning, the Shockers picked up a in the bottom of the second inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Chris O'Brien roped a double down the right field line with out and then advanced to third on a ground out by Mitch Caster. Josh Rosecrans came up with a big two-out single up the middle to score O'Brien for the first run of the game.
The Shockers then tacked on another run in the bottom of the third inning to make the score 2-0. Ryan Jones ripped a one-out double into the gap in left center field and then scored on a single into centerfield off the bat of cleanup hitter Will Baez.
The Sycamores threatened in the top of the seventh inning, after Nick Ciolli and Luke Fieser picked up back to back singles with just one out. However, the threat was ended when Tyler Graham grounded into a 6-4-3 double play and the Shockers maintained their two-run lead headed into the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Sycamores attempted a ninth inning comeback as well, as Kyle Burnam drew a one-out walk and Ciolli later picked up his third hit of the game to give ISU runners on first and second with two outs. But, Kelley buckled down and struck out Fieser to end the game.
Ciolli finished the game 3-for-4 to advance his hitting streak to seven games and Fieser's hit in the seventh extended his season-high hitting streak to 17 games.
The two teams will resume their three-game weekend series on Saturday at 3 p.m. EST at Eck Stadium. ISU starter Jake Petricka (6-1, 3.27 ERA) will take the mound against WSU starter Jordan Cooper (6-4, 2.64 ERA) in the second game of the weekend series.
