Wichita State completes sweep of Paladins

Furman starter Matt Lazzaro allowed three runs in a career-long 7 2/3 innings
Sunday in the Paladins' 3-1 loss at Wichita State. Photo courtesy of Furman.

Furman got a much-needed solid start from Matt Lazzaro Sunday, but the Paladins fell at Wichita State 3-1. The Shockers (17-4) improved to 13-1 at home this season after completing the three-game series sweep.

Furman's offense was once again handcuffed by Wichita State's starter. Freshman Tommy Barnhouse (2-1) allowed one unearned run on two hits and no walks in four innings. He had eight strikeouts. For the series, Wichita State starters worked a combined 16 innings and allowed two runs, one earned, on five hits. They had four walks and 25 strikeouts.

The Paladins (13-11) took their first lead of the series in the third inning. After Dillon Love reached on an error, Jabari Richards and Ben Anderson had singles to load the bases. Bret Huebner's groundout gave Furman a 1-0 lead.

The Shockers answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning. After opening the frame with three singles to load the bases, Alec Bohm walked to tie the game. Furman then turned a double play, but the go-ahead run scored.

From the fourth to the eighth inning, Lazzaro retired 11 consecutive batters before Luke Ritter's one-out homer to wrap up the scoring. Lazzaro (2-3) allowed three runs on seven hits in 7 2/3 innings. He had one walk and five strikeouts. Over his last three starts, the freshman left-hander has a 3.04 ERA with three walks and 17 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.

Wichita State's Chandler Sanburn worked a perfect ninth for his third save. For the second day in a row, Furman was held to two singles for the game.

This challenging portion of the Paladins' schedule continues Tuesday when Furman takes on Clemson at Fluor Field in downtown Greenville. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.