With the win, WKU Softball (25-19 overall, 10-10 CUSA) earned their first win over a Power Four school since defeating Ole Miss on April 12, 2024.
HOW IT HAPPENED
WKU 2, LOU 0
It was all about the twos on Tuesday, with the Hilltoppers scoring two to win and Houge limiting the Cardinals' offense to two hits through her first seven-inning, complete-game performance of her career.
Continuing that two trend was the Hilltoppers' defense which, combined with Houge's performance, did not allow a Louisville runner past second base all game.
With neither side allowing a run to score through the second, WKU got things going in the top of the third with a single from Morgan Sharpe, a sacrifice bunt from Annie White, and a single from Kennedy Stinson to put runners on first and second. A walk from Maci Masters and the Tops found themselves in a bases-loaded situation.
Macy Gregor came through for the Hilltoppers with a single to shallow left field that allowed Sharpe to score the first run of the game.
Working against a Louisville team known for their speed on the bases, Houge had no problems getting through the lineup, producing two ground outs and a sacrifice bunt to finish the third.
White's second sacrifice effort of the night was rewarded with a run, scoring Kendle White who reached on a double earlier in the inning.
Up 2-0 going into the home half of the fourth, Houge collected her third strikeout of the night to end the Cardinals' chances that inning.
The last nine outs of the game came from two fly outs and seven total ground outs. On the night, Houge produced a total of two fly outs and 15 ground outs in only 79 pitches.
NOTABLES
- Erica Houge only needed 79 pitches in her first complete game.
- 79 pitches is the second-fewest needed in a complete game this season. Rylan Smith threw 73 against Eastern Illinois.
- Erica Houge's 11.3 pitches per inning is the most efficient complete-game performance this season.
- The win against Louisville was also Houge's third-straight win, having earned wins in the final two games against NMSU.
- Kennedy Stinson extended her hit streak to nine games while Annie White stretched her reached base streak to 12 games.
- WKU's defense combined with Houge's pitching performance prevented any Louisville runners from advancing past second base.
NEXT UP
WKU will travel to Miami, Florida for its penultimate Conference USA series against FIU. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
