WKU takes first loss of season to No. 17 Coastal Carolina

Herald Staff

WKU’s formerly undefeated record ran into a highly ranked roadblock on Saturday.

No. 17 Coastal Carolina (4-3) used a four-run fourth inning and tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh for a 6-1 win over the Toppers at the Baseball at the Beach Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

WKU (5-1) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third with an RBI single by junior second baseman Ivan Hartle but never scored again.

Though WKU notched eight hits to Coastal Carolina’s seven, the Toppers left seven runners on base, including a runner in the sixth, seventh and eighth inning.

Freshman pitcher Justin Hageman gave up an earned run and allowed four total over four innings.

Hageman (1-1) took the loss in his second start. Coastal Carolina’s Stefan del Pino (1-0) threw six innings, surrendering the Toppers’ lone run off seven hits and earning the win.

Senior pitcher Brian Edelen gave up two runs — one earned — in three innings of relief before freshman pitcher Bret Sutton finished off the game with a shutout eighth inning in his WKU debut.

WKU committed three errors in the game played at BB&T Coastal Field, the home of the Class A Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

Senior catcher Matt Rice was the only Topper to record multiple hits. He finished 2-for-4.

WKU returns to action at 10 a.m. Sunday, capping off its trip against Pacific.