From the pitcher's circle, Rylan Smith and Katie Gardner produced a combined seven strikeouts at the plate.
EKU 2, WKU 1
The Hilltoppers got moving first as Kelsey Schmidt took a 2-1 pitch during the second inning across the left field wall for the Tops' 17th home run of the season.
In the next half inning, EKU plated one off an RBI single into right field to tie up the ballgame.
A quiet middle of the game, EKU took the lead and scored the final run in the top of the seventh with a home run right down the middle to finalize the 2-1 game.
Rylan Smith got the start in the circle and dealt four strikeouts while giving up one run off of two hits in five innings. Katie Gardner came in the top of the sixth frame, she retired three at the plate while also giving up a run off of two hits.
TOP STORYLINES
- WKU still continues to lead the all-time series, 15-13 over EKU.
- Kelsey Schmidt picked up her fourth home run and the Tops' 17th home run of the season.
- Five different Hilltoppers picked up hits for the Red and White.
- As a whole, WKU is leading the league with a .324 batting average.
- Morgan Sharpe continues to lead the Tops with a .481 batting average and 38 hits.
- Katie Gardner is now operating with a 1.48 ERA to lead the WKU pitching staff, producing 52 strikeouts at the plate. Rylan Smith is next in line with a 2.16 ERA and 51 strikeouts.
- The next series on deck for the Tops will be when they play host to FIU this weekend, March 15-17.
How to Follow Hilltopper Softball: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on X at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball, and Facebook/WKUSoftball
