WKU Baseball will travel to the No. 17 ranked University of Louisville this Tuesday for a nonconference midweek matchup.
The Hilltoppers are coming off their second Conference USA sweep of the season against Liberty. The series improved WKU’s conference record to 9-3, taking them to first place in CUSA and an overall record of 31-5.
The sweep moved WKU to No. 20 in the Baseball America Top 25 poll and to No. 23 in Perfect Game USA Top 25 poll. Last week the Hilltoppers ranked No. 25 in both polls.
WKU’s pitching staff shined once again, limiting Liberty to just 17 hits across the three-game series. Sophomore Drew Whalen was named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week after a standout performance in game three. Whalen threw six scoreless innings, holding Liberty to two walks and striking out six batters.
The right-hander owns a 1.94 ERA, the 12th-best in Division I baseball, and is tied for third nationally in wins with seven. Overall the Hilltoppers hold a 2.64 ERA, the best ERA in college baseball.
At the plate, the Hilltoppers were just as successful at Liberty. WKU racked up 28 hits across three games. The Hilltoppers hold a .319 team batting average which is the 18th best in college baseball.
Leading the way is senior Ryan Wideman who is batting .446, the fourth-best batting average in college baseball. Wideman also leads CUSA in hits (66), doubles (17), triples (five) and stolen bases (28).
WKU is 2-2 against ranked opponents this season. The Hilltoppers’ first ranked match-up was a 10-inning, one-run loss to then-No. 23 Vanderbilt (now ranked No. 18). Later that week, the Hilltoppers took two of three on the road at then-No. 17 Dallas Baptist, who has since dropped out of the rankings.
UL enters Tuesday with a 26-9 overall record and a 21-3 record at home. Last weekend, the Cardinals dropped two of three games against conference opponents NC State, getting outscored 37-32. In game three on Sunday the Cardinals were run-ruled 11-1 in eight innings.
UL carries a .328 batting average, the seventh-best in college baseball, and 393 hits, the 14th most in baseball. The Cardinals’ pitching staff holds a 5.37 ERA, the seventh-highest in the ACC.
Tuesday’s in-state game gives WKU an opportunity to continue making noise on the national stage. With the best team ERA in college baseball and a consistent presence at the plate, the Hilltoppers will look to extend their four-game win streak against a talented ACC opponent.
The first pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Jim Patterson Stadium.
Sports Reporter David Quintanilla can be reached at davidquintanilla0610@gmail.com
