LOUISVILLE, Ky.-- It was another pitchers' duel for the WKU softball team at Louisville on Wednesday; however, a solo home run would be enough for the Cardinals (27-15) to take down the Lady Toppers (29-10) by a score of 1-0.
Kelsi Jones broke up the scoreless game with a solo shot over the right field fence to lead off the sixth inning. Cards' pitcher Maryssa Becker (13-5) allowed just one hit on the day, as Shawna Sadler sent a single up the middle in the fourth, her fourth career hit against the in-state foe for most among returning Lady Toppers. Becker no-hit WKU last season in Bowling Green while she struck out six, hit one batter and walked one in this outing.
Miranda Kramer (20-8) gave up three hits, three walks and struck out three in the game. The senior also didn't give up a hit until the fourth inning while the other two hits came in the sixth inning, as Jordan McNary singled following the home run, but was left stranded at third by frame's end.
The three strikeouts was a season low for Kramer who averages 13.2 strikeouts per seven innings pitched, a nation's best. Her lowest before the game at Louisville came against No. 7 Michigan with five fanned batters in four innings of work. It's the fourth time this season that Kramer hasn't hit double-digit strikeouts out of 29 starts.
The Lady Toppers reached base in all but two innings, only making it past first base in the fifth. After Lexie Norfleet reached on a bobbled ball from Louisville third baseman Hailey Smith, Kacie Freeman came in to pinch run, advancing to second on a sacrifice bunt from Jacqueline McGill. However, Brooke Holloway struck out looking while Preslie Cruce grounded out to end any threat of runs.
The team closes out the season in Murfreesboro for a three-game series at Middle Tennessee beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT before finishing with a single game on Sunday at noon CT.
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