WKU baseball lost its first Conference USA series of the season, dropping two of three games at Kennesaw State University March 21-23.
The Hilltopper’s away record moved to 3-3 after the series with an overall record of 21-3.
WKU was outscored 18-14 for the first time this season, resulting in its first series loss of the year.
WKU’s defensive struggles showed throughout the weekend, with the Hilltoppers committing eight errors in the series.
Game 1
WKU lost their first CUSA game 9-8 Friday after giving up a four-run lead.
KSU got on the board early in the first inning with an RBI single, followed by another run on a throwing error.
The Owls increased their lead in the second inning from a sac fly that scored the runner from third, making the game 3-0.
WKU scored a run in the third inning from an RBI double by senior Ethan Lizama.
The Hilltoppers took the lead in the fourth inning, scoring first from a wild pitch, then a double from junior Carlos Vasquez which scored two more runs. Back-to-back RBI singles from junior Ryan Wideman and junior Thomas Marsala made the game 7-3.
KSU got a run back in the fourth inning from an RBI double. The Owls scored again in the fifth inning off a solo home run then added another run in the seventh inning from a sac fly.
KSU capped their scoring in the eighth inning with an RBI single and an RBI double that led to another run off a throwing error, making the score 9-7.
WKU got a run back in the ninth inning from a solo home run by junior Drew Barragan.
Game 2
WKU secured game two of the series Saturday with a 4-1 win.
The Hilltoppers took an early lead in the first inning from a solo home run by Wideman. WKU scored again in the sixth inning from a solo home run by Lizama.
The Hilltoppers extended their lead in the eighth inning with an RBI single by Vasquez. WKU scored their last run in the ninth inning from a wild pitch that scored junior Dylan O’Connell from third.
KSU got a run back in the ninth off an RBI single.
The Hilltoppers pitching was dominant in game two, keeping the Owls to just five hits, one run and striking out nine batters.
Game 3
WKU lost the Sunday series closer 8-2.
KSU jumped out to an early lead in the first inning with an RBI double.
The Hilltoppers responded in the second inning with a solo home run by Barragan.
The Owls got ahead in the second inning from two different RBI doubles taking a 3-1 lead.
WKU got a run back in the third inning with a sac fly from junior Kyle Hvidsten.
KSU extended its lead in the third inning with a two-RBI double and an RBI single, extending the Owls lead to 6-1.
The Owls increased their lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run and scored again in the eighth inning off a throwing error allowing the runner from third to score.
WKU Baseball will continue its road trip Tuesday with a matchup against the University of Evansville. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
Sports Reporter David Quintanilla can be reached at davidquintanilla0610@gmail.com.
