WKU (20-25, 4-15 Sun Belt) got a solid start from Liam Shanahan as over his first seven innings of work he allowed two runs on four hits. The Golden Panthers (32-20, 10-10 Sun Belt) were able to scrape a couple runs off Shanahan as James McOwen led off the fourth inning with a single — the first FIU hit of the game — and came around to score on an RBI groundout by Bryan Pullin. Then in the seventh Nick Cadena hit a solo home run to left to extend the lead to 2-0.
The big blow came in the eighth as a leadoff single by Luis Bautista, followed by a walk to DePhillip Mason, put a pair of runners on. Shanahan was able to get Cody Jacobs to ground into a fielder’s choice for the first out of the inning, and bringing a close to his afternoon on the mound. Adam Balcom came out of the WKU bullpen and surrendered back-to-back doubles to Chris Dunn and McOwen as three runs scored to stretch the lead to 5-0.
That would be more than enough support for the FIU pitching staff as the Hilltoppers were shut out for just the second time this season.
It was a game of missed opportunities for the Hilltoppers, as they loaded the bases in the first inning against Golden Panther starter Akeem Francis — but were unable to produce a run. In fact, WKU put the leadoff man on base in six different innings. In the seventh inning, FIU reliever Kyle Preshong hit Corteze Armstong to open the inning. After a stolen base, Casey Hamilton delivered a one-out single to left, but McOwen was able to throw out Armstrong at the plate to preserve the shutout in WKU’s offensive threat of the afternoon.
Francis (5-0) allowed just five Hilltopper hits over 6.0 innings, striking out a pair and walking five. Preshong came in to record his second save of the season, allowing just two hits over the final 3.0 innings. Shanahan (3-7) suffered the loss despite allowing just five hits and striking out four in 7.1 inning. However, he was accountable for four of the five Golden Panther runs.
Offensively, Jack Ambrose and Hamilton each collected a pair of hits to lead the Hilltoppers. C.J. Wamsley also picked up his first hit as a Hilltopper with a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning. FIU finished the game with eight hits as McOwen and Corey Lozano accounted for two apiece.
The Hilltoppers will look to avoid the series sweep as they concludes the series with Florida International on Sunday (May 14) with a noon (CDT) first pitch in the final home game of the regular season. Prior to the game, WKU will honor the seven members of the 2006 baseball senior class.
