South Alabama scores two runs late to edge WKU 3-2

Elliott Pratt

Coach Amy Tudor called it the team’s toughest week on the schedule. After dropping two midweek games to Kentucky and Lipscomb, the Lady Toppers looked to make a statement against No. 19 and the Sun Belt Conference’s second-ranked team, South Alabama.

USA’s bats got hot late with consecutive two-out RBI doubles that earned the Jaguars a 3-2 win over the Lady Toppers (31-17-1, 10-6 Sun Belt Conference).

The Lady Toppers faced one of the best pitchers in the nation with Hannah Campbell, whose ERA of 0.83 is good for fourth in the NCAA. The Lady Toppers were able to get two runs and nine hits off of Campbell in the loss.

WKU had runners at first and second with two outs when the game ended on a Kaylan Davis check swing.

Olivia Watkins scored on a throwing error from the third baseman on a rundown when the ball sailed over the catcher’s head to give the Lady Toppers a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second.

Shawna Sadler hit an two-out RBI single to score pinch runner Tiffany Gooch to extend the Lady Topper lead to 2-0.

Emily Rousseau loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the fourth inning, but the Lady Toppers only allowed one run and got out of the jam with a one run lead.

WKU turned a double play in the top of the sixth by catching runners at home and third base to get out of the inning and maintain the lead.

The South Alabama bats came to life when it mattered – in the final frame.

The Jaguars’ Amanda Herron and Chloe Rathburn hit back-to-back two-out RBI doubles to take the win 3-2 over the Lady Toppers.

** Seniors Emily Rousseau, Kelsie Mattox, Tiffany Gooch, Amanda Thomas and Olivia Watkins were honored on the field between both games for Senior Day. Game two of the doubleheader begins shortly. Live updates can be found on twitter at @wkuheraldsports.