Watkins and Cardenas Go Yard, Lead Wildcats to Victory at Globe Life

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Abilene Christian Wildcats put on an offensive showcase at Globe Life Field on Tuesday night, outlasting Wichita State 11-9 in a thrilling non-conference matchup. The victory improved ACU's record to 8-5 on the season as they continued their strong start to the year.

ACU's bats wasted no time getting to work, responding to an early Wichita State lead with a three-run second inning, highlighted by a clutch bases-clearing double from Braden Regala. The Wildcats kept the pressure on, matching the Shockers' three-run third inning with three more of their own, including a towering two-run home run from Grant Watkins, his first of the night.

Watkins was the star of the evening, delivering a dominant 4-for-5 performance at the plate. The slugger launched two home runs, added a double, and drove in four runs to lead ACU's offensive charge. Diego Cardenas also made his presence felt, smashing a solo home run in the fourth to extend the Wildcats' lead. The lineup showed discipline, working six walks and capitalizing on key opportunities with runners in scoring position.

The Wildcats used a full bullpen effort to navigate Wichita State's lineup. Chandler Benson got the start, working three innings while allowing three runs and striking out three. Cooper Hrbacek came in for 1.2 innings of solid relief, earning the win after keeping the Shockers at bay in the middle innings.

Blaine Palmer, Chandler Freeman, and Colin Huspen provided key outs late in the game, limiting damage as Wichita State mounted a comeback attempt. Closer Brady Coe was called upon in the ninth inning and shut the door, earning his third save of the season. Despite allowing a run on a wild pitch, Coe stayed composed and finished the game with a strikeout to seal the win.

Wichita State threatened late, scoring three runs in the seventh to cut ACU's lead to 11-8. However, the Wildcats' bullpen held firm, allowing just one additional run in the ninth before securing the victory.

With the win, ACU heads back home for another home series against Prairie View A&M. The three-game series starts with the first pitch on Friday, at 6:05 p.m. (CT). The Panthers and the Wildcats have faced off before but in the new Crutcher Scott.