JAX STATE 9, WKU 1
The Gamecocks picked up the lead off of a three-run homer into right-center field in the bottom of the second.
WKU's only run came in the top of the third inning from a Taylor Sanders double off the right field wall. She picked up her 48th RBI of the season and now sits three away from breaking the program career record at 178.
Jax State would later plate four runs in the third inning, and another one in the fifth inning to bring a seven-run ballgame. The home team walked-off the game with a single up the middle after six.
Katie Gardner now moves to 13-10 on the season as she earned a strikeout from the circle during her start. Rylan Smith came in for relief for 1.2 innings as Kelsie Houchens closed things down in the circle for the WKU pitching staff.
TOP STORYLINES
- The Gamecocks lead WKU in the all-time series, 4-2.
- Taylor Sanders' RBI double in the third inning brings her career total to 176. She is now three RBIs away from breaking the program record.
- Brylee Hage and TJ Webster each picked up a hit during the evening.
- Webster leads Conference USA with a .414 batting average, while she garners 53 hits to lead WKU.
- The Red and White continue to lead Conference USA in batting average (.302) and fielding percentage (.969) on the season.
- Katie Gardner is operating with a 2.66 ERA to lead the WKU pitching staff, producing 106 strikeouts at the plate. Rylan Smith is next in line with a 3.90 ERA with 97 strikeouts.
- The Hilltoppers and Gamecocks will meet for the second game of the series tomorrow, April 27 at 1 p.m. CT. The game is broadcast on ESPN+.
How to Follow Hilltopper Softball: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on X at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball, and Facebook/WKUSoftball.
