Memphis Looks to Build Momentum in Series with Wichita State

Friday, March 27

Memphis, Tenn.

6:05 p.m.

University of Memphis

Wichita State

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Memphis Looks to Build Momentum in Series with Wichita State

Mar 26, 2026 | Baseball

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis (7-16, 1-2 American) baseball team is set to host Wichita State (17-9) for its first home conference series, beginning Friday night. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. while the Saturday and Sunday contests will begin at 2:05 p.m. and 1:05 p.m., respectively.

Wichita State holds a 16-7 advantage in the all-time series against Memphis as the two programs prepare to meet for the seventh time in a weekend series. A year ago, the Shockers swept the Tigers with wins of 9-5, 6-5 and 3-1. Wichita State has also knocked Memphis out of conference tournament contention in each of the past two seasons. The Tigers will aim to secure their first series victory over the Shockers this weekend.

Memphis (7-16, 1-2 American) enters the series fresh of its upset of No. 18 Ole Miss on Tuesday. Memphis recorded nine hits in the contest, combining timely offense with solid pitching and strong defensive play to earn the midweek upset win. The Tigers pushed across runs in three separate innings, highlighted by back-to-back two-run innings in the fourth and fifth to seize control. The win marked the Tigers' first ranked win since defeating No. 25 Wichita State in 2023 and their highest ranked win since taking down No. 9 East Carolina in 2021.

Against Ole Miss, Memphis was led offensively by right fielder Cade Hitson, center fielder Michael Gupton and first baseman Tyler Harrington. Hitson went 2-for-4 on the day, highlighted by a towering two-run home run in the fifth inning. Gupton added a key insurance run with his team-leading seventh homer of the season in the eighth. Harrington delivered one of the game's biggest hits, a two-RBI single in the fourth that gave the Tigers a lead they would not relinquish.

Memphis has showcased an aggressive approach on the basepaths this season, recording 49 stolen bases to lead the American Conference and rank 43rd nationally. Senior Freddy Rodriguez has been at the forefront, successfully stealing 16 bases in 18 attempts, placing second in the conference and 23rd in the nation.

Eleven different Tigers have hit home runs this season, combining for 29 as a team. Senior center fielder Michael Gupton leads the group with seven long balls, a mark that ranks fifth in the conference.

Shane Cox has been the catalyst for Memphis at the plate, leading the team in batting average (.352), hits (31) and extra-base hits (12). He has provided consistent production throughout the season, recording at least one hit in 19 of the Tigers' 23 games.

Wichita State (17-9, 2-1 American) enters the weekend after taking two of three from Charlotte at home in their opening conference series. In the first game the Shockers used a five-run fifth inning and solid relief pitching to claim an 8-3 victory. On Saturday, Charlotte scored 19 runs over the final five innings to erase an early 4-0 deficit to even the series at 1-1. Sunday's rubber match saw Wichita State secure a series win to open conference play after a 7-2 win.

On the mound, the Tigers weekend rotation will remain the same with RHP Will Howell (2-3, 5.67 ERA) drawing the start on Friday, LHP David Case (1-5, 8.10) toeing the rubber Saturday and Sunday's starter yet to be determined. The Shockers will counter with RHP Matthew Cuccias (2-0, 3.08 ERA) on Friday, followed by RHP Brady Hamilton (3-3, 4.68 ERA) on Saturday while also leaving their Sunday starter undecided.

At the plate, Wichita State has been led by Jayson Jones (40 H / 8 HR / 33 RBI), Owen Washburn (37 H / 10 2B / 31 RBI) and Jaden Gustafson (32 H / 4 HR / 18 BB). As a team, the Shockers have started the season as one of the best offensive teams in the nation, ranking 8^th in runs scored, 15^th in hits, 25^th in on-base percentage and 29^th in slugging percentage.

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