The Hilltoppers moved to 23-12 with the 3-1 series win and enters the final week of the regular season at 6-6 in Conference USA. FIU is now 13-24 and 5-11 in league play.
WKU's first four batters of the game reached as Paige Carter drew a walk, Jordan Ridge dropped a bunt single, Kennedy Sullivan connected for an RBI single and Kendall Smith was hit by a pitch. The quick start was enough to chase the FIU starting pitcher before she'd record an out.
FIU evened things up in the bottom of the second, taking advantage of a leadoff walk before a single to the wall brought the runner home.
Carter led off the Tops' next trip to the plate with a standup double but the Panthers quickly grabbed the momentum back with a double play followed by a lineout on the next pitch.
The Panthers added two more runs in the bottom of the third on WKU mishaps to take a 3-1 lead – just as they had done in the second game of the series.
WKU led off the fifth frame with a pinch-hit single from Princess Valencia followed by TJ Webster but the Hilltoppers would end up stranding the runners.
Valencia led off the top of the seventh with a walk but a fielder's choice would replace the runner. With Webster on first, Carter sent a double through the gap in left center to score Webster and make the score 3-2.
Katie Gardner drew the start in the circle for WKU and worked 3.2 innings before being relieved. Gardner allowed six hits and three runs while striking out five and walking one batter. Relieving Gardner, Shelby Nunn finished the game and allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out two.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
- Friday, May 7 vs. Florida Atlantic – 5 p.m. CT
- Saturday, May 8 vs. Florida Atlantic – 1 & 3 p.m. CT
- Sunday, May 9 vs. Florida Atlantic (Senior Day) – 1 p.m. CT
How to Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball and Facebook /WKUSoftball
