By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay

The Wichita State Shockers on Wednesday scored two runs to take the lead in the top of the ninth inning, and Johnny Nuanez closed in bottom half to beat the FAU Owls, 3-2, on the first day of the American Baseball Championship.

In the second game of the day at Clearwater, Fla., Michael Gupton hit two home runs as the fifth-seeded Memphis Tigers opened an 11-run lead and held on to defeat the Charlotte 49ers, 13-9.

Tournament results
At Clearwater, Fla.

Wednesday’s games

Game 1 – No. 7 Wichita State beats No. 6 FAU, 3-2
Game 2 – No. 5 Memphis beats No. 8 Charlotte, 13-9

Thursday

Game 3 – No. 3 Rice vs. No. 7 Wichita State, noon
Game 4 – No. 4 UAB vs. No. 5 Memphis, 47 minutes afterward

Friday

Game 5 – No. 2 East Carolina vs. Game 3 winner, 8 a.m.
Game 6 – No. 1 UTSA vs. Game 4 winner, 47 minutes afterward
Game 7 – Game 4 loser vs. Game 5 loser, 3:30 p.m.
Game 8 – Game 3 loser vs. Game 6 loser, 47 minutes afterward

Saturday

Game 9 – Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 9 a.m.
Game 10 – Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 47 minutes afterward
Game 11 – Game 10 winner vs. Game 9 loser, 47 minutes afterward

Sunday

Game 12 – Game 9 winner vs. Game 11 winner, 11 a.m.