The Cincinnati Bearcats scored a run in each of the last three innings Tuesday, overpowering WKU Baseball 5-2 at Nick Denes Field.

The Hilltoppers dropped to 7-7 after the loss, with four games left before conference play. 

“This was one of those years where a little bit more iron sharpens iron,” Head Coach Marc Rardin said. “With who we are and where we’re at right now we don’t need to be playing our best baseball till we get to the end of March and through April.”

WKU held the lead after the third inning, scoring two runs off RBI doubles by junior outfielder Luke Coley and junior infielder Lane Arroyos. Arroyos’ RBI double extended his on-base streak to 14, being the only Hilltopper to reach base in every game in 2026.

However, the Hilltoppers found minimal success at the plate in the final six innings, going 4-22 with four strikeouts. 

“You know we had six hits, and they (Cincinnati) did a good job. We didn’t make the adjustments that we needed to make,” Rardin said. “But that’s why you play these games and that’s why you play a really good competition.” 

WKU’s starter junior Greg Olsen went five innings, giving up five hits and a run. The Hilltoppers’ bullpen struggled after Olsen’s departure as four of the five relievers gave up a run. 

Sophomore infielder Quinton Coats led the Bearcats. He went 4-5 with two RBI, including a home run in the fifth inning. 

Cincinnati’s pitching staff was the backbone of the win. Freshman starter Connor Blue went four innings, holding WKU to two runs on two hits, one walk and three strikeouts. The bullpen silenced the Hilltoppers even more with redshirt senior Joel Piñeiro and junior Carson Marsh holding WKU to no runs on four hits, one walk and three strikeouts. 

“I’m pretty confident in what we’re doing right now and it’s going to help us in the long run,” Rardin said.

WKU Baseball returns to action this weekend March 6-8 for a three game series against Indiana State.