Academy falls to Shockers

Members of the Air Force Academy men’s baseball team prepare to begin a game against the Wichita State University Shockers March 26, 2013, Wichita, Kan. The Academy lost 3-2 after an eighth-inning comeback by the Shockers in the first of a two-game series. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo)

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Academy falls to Shockers

Cadet 1st Class Matthew Roberts hits a foul ball during in an attempt to score against the Wichita State University Shockers March 26, 2013, Wichita, Kan. While only hitting one run the entire game, the Academy threw a total of 14 strikeouts through their 8 innings of defense. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John L. Linzmeier)

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Academy falls to Shockers

Cadet 4th Class Steven Trojan, Air Force Academy men’s baseball right handed pitcher, throws a pitch in a game vs. the Wichita State University Shockers March 26, 2013, Wichita, Kan. As the starting pitcher Trojan pitched 3.1 innings, striking out six batters and allowing one run. The Falcons lost the first game in the series 3-2. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

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Academy falls to Shockers

Cadet 4th Class Steven Trojan, Air Force Academy Falcons right handed pitcher, prepares to throws a pitch in a game vs. the Wichita State University Shockers March 26, 2013, Wichita, Kan. The Falcons lost the first game in the series 3-2. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

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Academy falls to Shockers

Published March 27, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The Air Force Academy men's baseball team lost to the Wichita State University Shockers in a close 3-2 game March 26, 2013.

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 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 freshman Steven Trojan and senior Ben Bertelson threw a combined 13 strikouts 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.