BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kevin Lambert recorded a home run in his return to the field as WKU Baseball dropped its series opener to Middle Tennessee, 7-5, Friday night at Nick Denes Field.
Following a nine-game absence due to injury, Lambert returned for his 200th career start as a Hilltopper, using a two-run long ball in the fifth frame to jumpstart a WKU comeback attempt in what would turn out to be a 7-5 defeat.
"One of our goals was that we needed to win the free base war and we did not do that today," said head coach John Pawlowski. "You give them some free bases and you put them in positions where they can run, and they did a good job. We just didn't have enough tonight. So, with a doubleheader tomorrow, we look forward to another challenge tomorrow."
Jake Kates earned the starting nod for the Hilltoppers, tossing less than 5.0 frames in a start for the first time this season after allowing five earned runs while striking out three in 2.1 innings. Collin Lollar, Wil Moritz, Aaron Shiflet and Connor Stephens all saw relief action in the contest, with Lollar striking out a career-high seven batters in 4.2 frames.
At the plate, the Hilltoppers racked up 10 hits, with three players producing multi-hit performances. Justin Carlin and Davis Sims led the squad with three hits apiece, while Jackson Gray added a 2-for-4 effort in the game.
SCORING SUMMARY
Middle Tennessee opened the scoring with two runs in the first frame via an RBI-single and RBI-double.
The Blue Raiders extended their lead with three more runs in the third inning, pulling ahead 5-0.
Middle Tennessee used an RBI-triple to extend its lead in the top of the fifth.
The Hilltoppers finally got on the board in the bottom of the inning, with Lambert sending a two-run bomb over the left field wall to make it 6-2.
WKU added two more in the sixth inning, as a two-run long ball by Gray put the score at 6-4.
The Hilltoppers continued to chip away in the bottom of the eighth, with Jackson Swiney ripping an RBI-double down the right field line to make it a one-run game.
Middle Tennessee would go on to add one run in the ninth before eventually holding on for the 7-5 victory.
UP NEXT
The Hilltoppers will continue their series against the Blue Raiders with a seven-inning doubleheader beginning at noon on Saturday, April 17 at Nick Denes Field.
TICKETS AVAILABLE
Capacity at WKU Baseball home games has increased to 50 percent. A limited number of tickets will now be sold at the gate beginning an hour prior to each contest. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Tickets can be purchased for $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Fans are required to wear masks and practice social distancing during the game.
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