The Wichita State Shockers will play the Tulane Green Wave today in the title game of the American Baseball Championship.
They’ll throw the first pitch momentarily in a game that will be staged in Clearwater, Fla., at the BayCare Ballpark.
Let’s take a look at the teams vying for the American Athletic Conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament:
Wichita State
Overall record: 32-28
In the American championship tournament: 3-1 … Beat UAB 8-2 on May 21 … beat East Carolina 14-4 on May 23 … lost to East Carolina 4-5 on on May 25 … beat East Carolina 12-2 in eight innings (run rule) on May 25.
Last 10 games: 8-2
Record in the AAC regular season: 15-12
In nine games covering the last three AAC weekend series: 7-2
Record versus Tulane: 1-2 (at Wichita, Kan.)
Versus UTSA: 2-1 (at San Antonio)
Top hitters: Camden Johnson, .328, 2 HR, 28 RBI; Derek Williams, 14 HR, 44 RBI.
Today’s starting pitcher: Tommy LaPour, 6-3, 4.12 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, .226 batting average against.
Tulane
Record overall: 34-24
In the American championship tournament: 3-0 … Beat FAU 14-2 in 7 innings (run rule) on May 21 … beat Charlotte 7-5 on May 23 … beat FAU 13-1 in 7 innings (run rule) on May 25.
Last 10 games: 8-2
Record in the AAC regular season: 15-12
In nine games covering the last three AAC weekend series: 6-3
Record versus Wichita State: 2-1 (at Wichita, Kan.)
Versus UTSA: 0-3 (at New Orleans)
Top hitters: Brady Marget, .335, 9 HR, 53 RBI; Connor Rasmussen, .324, 7 HR, 48 RBI
Today’s starting pitcher: Chandler Welch, 7-3, 4.41 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, .296 batting average against.