WKU Softball secured its second straight Conference USA series win, and fourth on the season, against Florida International University April 25-27.
Sophomore center fielder Kendle White led the Hilltoppers offensively over the weekend. She scored four of WKU’s nine runs across the three-game series and leads the Hilltoppers in runs scored with 29.
WKU’s pitching staff also shined this weekend, specifically sophomore Rylan Smith and freshman Erica Houge. The duo held FIU to a .197 batting average.
Game three of the series was timed out, resulting in both teams’ first tie of the season and the only tie in conference play.
The Hilltoppers are now 27-19-1 on the season. Their 12-10-1 conference record improved their CUSA standing to fourth.
Game 1
WKU’s 2-0 win over FIU on Friday marked its second consecutive shutout win.
Starting pitcher Smith and relief pitcher Houge split the game in the circle. The two didn’t allow a run on four hits and walked zero batters.
Kendle White was WKU’s offensive weapon in game one. Her home runs at the top of the first and second, the first being a leadoff homer, gave the Hilltoppers their two runs.
Game 2
WKU clinched the series with its 3-1 victory Saturday over the Panthers.
Houge started in the circle for the Hilltoppers in game two. In her 5.1 innings pitched, she allowed one run on six hits and walked zero batters.
The game remained scoreless through the first two innings.
Sophomore designated hitter Maci Masters’ RBI single in the top of the third scored Kendle White to put the Hilltoppers on the board.
WKU kept its 1-0 lead through the fourth and fifth innings.
FIU tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single from junior right-handed pitcher/utility player Kennedy Byrd. Immediately after, Smith relieved Houge in the circle. In her 1.2 innings, Smith allowed zero runs on one hit and struck out two.
An eventful top of the seventh gave the Hilltoppers a 3-1 lead and the win. Sophomore first baseman Annie White’s RBI bunt scored Kendle White from third to kick off the action. After the run, Annie White got caught in a pickle advancing to second, distracting the FIU defense and allowing sophomore shortstop Morgan Sharpe to find home plate.
Game 3
WKU tied FIU 4-4 Sunday after the game timed out.
Houge earned her second start of the weekend in game three. In her 2.1 innings pitched, she gave up two runs on three hits.
Neither team found home plate in the first two innings.
Sharpe’s RBI single in the top of the third scored freshman right fielder Macy Gregor to give the Hilltoppers the lead.
FIU quickly clapped back in the bottom of the third with runs from a throwing error and an RBI single from sophomore infielder Paige Miller to put WKU in a 2-1 deficit.
Immediately after, Smith replaced Houge in the circle. In her 6.2 innings pitched, she allowed two runs on two hits. She also walked four and struck out seven.
The Hilltoppers regained the lead in the top of the fourth. Two bases-loaded walks and an RBI single from Sharpe put WKU up 4-2.
FIU got a run back in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI bunt from sophomore outfielder Kally Meredith.
The Panthers tied the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth with an unearned run.
Both teams suffered a scoring drought through the next five innings. The 10 a.m. game reached its 2 p.m. time limit, leaving the Hilltoppers with their first tied game of the season.
WKU will travel to Eastern Kentucky University on Tuesday for its last midweek game of the season.
Sports Reporter Adrianna Lein can be reached at [email protected]
