Marshall took over the lead in Conference USA's East Division with the win and now sits at 12-4 in league play with the Hilltoppers right behind at 11-5. WKU sits at 28-9 on the season while the Herd improved to 30-11.
WKU is now 17-2 when playing at the WKU Softball Complex during the 2022 campaign.
All the scoring of Friday's series opening came on one swing of the bat in the top of the first inning as Marshall's Mya Stevenson connected for a two-run, two-out home run just over the right field fence for the 2-0 lead.
Jordan Ridge opened the night with a hit by pitch to get on base with her first of two free passes on the night but would end up stranded on both occasions. The Hilltoppers stranded seven runners on board in the game.
Hage connected for the Red and White's first hit of the night – a leadoff single in the bottom of the fourth. WKU's second hit came off Bowlds' bat to lead off the bottom of the seventh. Kennedy Foote would follow with a 10-pitch, pinch-hit walk to put two on with no outs before the next three Hilltoppers would be retired.
WKU's defense turned a pair of double plays on the evening – the first going 6-4-3 in the top of the second and the latter going 4-6-3 in the fourth. The Hilltoppers also turned two double plays back on March 11.
Nunn moved to 15-6 on the season with the loss, despite striking out five Thundering Herd batters and needing just 78 pitches for her 11th complete-game outing of the season.
TOP STORYLINES
- With Friday's loss, WKU now trails 9-12 in the all-time series against Marshall. The Tops are now 4-5 when facing the Thundering Herd in Bowling Green.
- Coach Tudor is in her 18th season as a head coach – ninth on The Hill – and owns a 479-372-2 career coaching record.
- WKU is now 17-2 when playing at home this season after being shut out for just the fourth time.
