Hilltoppers Wrap Up Fall Series with Evansville

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Baseball wrapped up a three-game series against Evansville in its fall ball opener Sunday, Sept. 29.

The Hilltoppers played three games against the Purple Aces, competing in two five-inning matchups before closing out the day with a four-inning contest.

"Our coaching staff was excited to watch this team compete against outside competition for the first time," said head coach John Pawlowski. "It really breaks the fall practice season up and gives us a great opportunity to coach and teach within the actual game."

In game one, redshirt junior Collin Lollar and junior Dalton Shoemake both provided quality efforts on the mound. Lollar tossed two innings of scoreless ball while giving up just one hit, with Shoemake adding two frames of hitless ball while collecting two strikeouts.

Offensively, seniors Kevin Lambert and Ray Zuberer III each produced solid numbers at the plate. Lambert went 1-for-2 in the matchup, recording an RBI-double in his first plate appearance, while Zuberer went 2-for-2 in the contest while adding a walk and a steal.

In game two, junior Logan Sabo and redshirt sophomore Jake Kates combined to deliver two innings of scoreless baseball, with both players whiffing one batter apiece. Redshirt sophomore Mason Vinyard closed out the final two frames of the contest, collecting four strikeouts without allowing a walk.

Lambert and Zuberer again produced for the Hilltoppers at the plate, with Lambert recording a 2-for-3 effort while adding an RBI and Zuberer going 1-for-2 with a walk and RBI on the game. Redshirt junior Jacob Jenkins also flashed a solid bat in game two, producing a 2-for-2 line while adding a walk.

In the series finale, junior AJ Peter and sophomore Drew Strohm combined for three frames of hitless ball, with Peter closing out the final two innings of the game.

At the plate, junior Junior Coleman collected the Hilltoppers lone two-hit performance of the contest, going 2-for-2 while swiping a base. Sophomore Matt Meyer and freshman Eric Riffe also added one hit apiece, with each player going 1-for-1 in the matchup.

"I thought we played with energy and a commitment to our program's goals and aspirations," said Pawlowski. "Overall, a very successful scrimmage for the returning players and the 13 new members who participated. There were a lot of positives to take away, and I know this will help us continue to grow and build this 2020 Hilltopper team."

Players Mentioned

Kevin Lambert

Collin Lollar

Dalton Shoemake

Drew Strohm

Ray Zuberer III

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