WKU Softball fell to the University of Louisville 3-2 Tuesday night, dropping to 15-14 overall.
Although they were outscored, the Hilltoppers’ efficient defense kept them in the game. WKU retired the first three Louisville batters in the third, fifth and seventh innings. Sophomore Rylan Smith also pitched the full game and struck out four batters.
“She did a great job [and] was able to change speeds,” Head Coach Amy Tudor said about Smith’s performance. “Overall, it was a pretty good game defensively.”
Louisville started the game strong with an RBI single and an RBI double in the top of the first. WKU responded with a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Maci Masters in the bottom of the first.
The second, third and fourth innings included no runs from either team.
Despite four bases-loaded scoring opportunities, the Hilltoppers only capitalized on one in the bottom of the fifth. Freshman right fielder Charlotte Herron’s bases-loaded walk allowed sophomore shortstop Morgan Sharpe to advance home. The game was tied 2-2 going into the sixth.
“We should have capitalized,” Tudor said on WKU’s missed opportunities in the bottom of the fifth. “It cost us in the end. So it’s a learning lesson.”
Louisville scored on a wild pitch in the top of the sixth taking back the lead. Neither team scored again, resulting in WKU’s sixth home loss of the season.
“We should have capitalized,” Tudor said on WKU’s missed opportunities in the bottom of the fifth. “It cost us in the end. So it’s a learning lesson.”
WKU will host Louisiana Tech March 28-30 in its second home Conference USA series of the season.
Sports Reporter Adrianna Lein can be reached at adrianna.lein265@topper.wku.edu.
