2 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Wichita State University ace struck out 10 batters across nine innings, and the Shockers won their home opener over Utah Tech on Friday, 8-0.
Caden Favors has sparse experience as a starting pitcher but looked like a man in charge as he dominated the Trailblazers’ lineup, only allowing five hits in the entire game. He only walked one batter in the game.
Even more impressive, Favors only needed 75 pitches to do so.
The Shockers struck first in the second inning, plating two in the bottom of the first off an error by Utah Tech center fielder Ethan He.
Wichita State added another four runs in the third inning off a single from Jaden Gustafson, a sacrifice fly from Seth Stroh and a single by Dayvin Johnson.
The bats got quiet until the seventh inning when Gustafson scored during a double play.
This is the second year in a row the Shockers have played Utah Tech, winning three of four games over the Trailblazers last season. It is the first time since the 2022 season the Shockers have won their home opener.
The win moves the Shockers to 5-3 on the young season. They’ll face off against Utah Tech again on Saturday, with right-handed pitcher Daniel Zang taking the mound for Wichita State.
First pitch is slated for noon and will stream on ESPN+.