WKU Softball fell at the University of Kentucky Tuesday in a 9-1 run-rule loss, its first run-rule defeat of the season.
The Hilltoppers are now 21-19 overall and 6-8 on the road.
WKU struggled offensively against UK, combining for a .136 batting average and leaving nine runners on base in just six innings. The Wildcats’ 10 hits and four home runs bested the Hilltoppers’ three hits and no homers.
Three of WKU’s four pitchers made an appearance against UK. Freshman Erica Houge started in the circle. In her 2.1 innings, she allowed four runs on four hits with no strikeouts.
A quiet first inning included no runs from either team.
UK put its first on the board in the bottom of the second with an RBI single.
WKU’s lone run came in the top of the third. Freshman left fielder Kennedy Stinson’s RBI single scored second baseman Charlotte Herron tying the game at 1-1.
UK regained the lead with a three-RBI homer in the bottom of the third. Immediately after, freshman Delainey Bargfrede replaced Houge. In her 2.1 innings, she gave up two runs on three hits and struck out one.
UK’s 4-1 lead remained through the fourth inning.
In the bottom of the fifth, UK’s back-to-back homers extended its three-run lead to five. Immediately after, junior Maddy Wood replaced Bargfrede in the circle. In her solo inning, she allowed three runs on three hits and struck out one.
The Wildcats secured their run-rule victory with a three-RBI homer in the bottom of the sixth.
WKU will return to the hill for the first time since March 29 to host New Mexico State in a Conference USA series April 17-19.
Sports Reporter Adrianna Lein can be reached at [email protected]
