Wichita State filled the first three days of the American Athletic Conference Championship with home runs, packed bleachers and a "why not us" vibe.
The fourth day ended with a significantly different feeling in Wilkins Stadium. Second-seeded Charlotte run-ruled the fourth-seeded Shockers 10-1 in the title game to secure the AAC's automatic bid to the NCAA regionals.
The 49ers (38-16) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Arianna Rodi's leadoff home run. Charlotte continued to hit and took away Wichita State's best threat – and the source of energy from the crowd – by intentionally walking center fielder Addison Barnard three times.