WKU Baseball fell to the Louisville Cardinals 7-3 Tuesday night at Jim Patterson Stadium
The Hilltoppers drop to a 19-18 overall record and a 2-7 record away from Nick Denes Field.
WKU’s lineup saw changes as freshman utility player Ethan Renyolds got the start. The lineup also saw position changes as senior Daniel Stewart, who is usually a center fielder, played catcher.
On the mound, WKU ran into early baserunner trouble, allowing 10 runners in the first three innings. Starter junior left-hander Zach Lyles pitched the first inning, allowing two runs on two hits, one walk and striking out two.
Senior right-hander Dawson Hall went on to pitch the second inning, allowing a pair of runs on one hit and a walk. Junior right-hander Greg Olsen couldn’t get out of the third inning, giving up three runs on two hits.
However, the next five Hilltopper arms had scoreless outings and combined for eight strikeouts.
In the box, the Hilltoppers were given eight free passes, four walks and four hit by pitches, but couldn’t take advantage of those opportunities, going 2-17 with runners on. WKU would end the game, leaving 10 runners on base, with the batting order combining for just six hits. Senior infielder Austin Haller led the team with two hits at the top of the lineup.
WKU found its first run thanks to a solo home run by Stewart in the second inning. The final two runs came in during the eighth frame thanks to RBI doubles by fifth-year senior infielder Kyle Hayes and junior utility player Logan Luckett.
The Cardinals found more success than WKU at the plate, combining for seven hits and 4-7 with runners in scoring position. However, Louisville struggled to connect with the ball, striking out 12 times. The issue wasn’t seeing the ball, as the Cardinals fought for six walks.
Louisville’s pitching was powered by starter junior Jake Bean. Bean, who came into the game with an 8.76 ERA, pitched five innings, holding the Hilltoppers to one run on two hits, while striking out two.
The Hilltoppers made a final push in the ninth as junior infielder Grayson Godbee singled and junior infielder Lane Arroyos walked. However, the runners would be left on base as Hayes struck out swinging to end the game.
WKU Baseball will return to action as they travel to Springfield, Illinois, to face Missouri State in a three-game Conference USA series.
