LAS CRUCES, N.M. – WKU Baseball run-ruled New Mexico State 19-3 to clinch the series win on Saturday afternoon at Presley Askew Field.
The Hilltopper offense exploded for 19 runs on 18 hits, including five home runs, as the Hilltoppers overpowered New Mexico State in seven innings to secure their 40th win for the first time since 2009.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Joe Siervo got the game started with a leadoff home run to give WKU a 1-0 lead.
• The Aggies answered with an RBI groundout to tie the game in the bottom of the frame.
• The Tops plated six in the third frame to take a 7-1 lead. Ethan Lizama drove in two with a double before Austin Haller tallied an RBI with a bunt single. Kyle Hvidsten rounded out the inning with a three-run homer.
• Ryan Wideman and Kyle Hayes hit back-to-back triples to take an 8-1 lead in the fourth.
• Wideman drove in another with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning.
• New Mexico State cut its deficit to 9-2 with a solo home run in the bottom of the frame.
• WKU put up 10 runs in the seventh highlighted by homers from Hayes, Haller and Hvidsten. Wideman added a pair of RBI singles and Reid Howard drove in a run with a base knock.
• The Aggies got one back with an RBI groundout in the bottom of the frame, but the Tops were able to grab all three outs for the 19-3 run-rule victory.
NOTABLES
• WKU moves to 40-10 (16-7 CUSA) on the season and 10-13 all-time against New Mexico State (22-28, 10-12 CUSA). This marks the sixth time WKU has reached 40 wins, joining the 1980 (47), 1981 (41), 1985 (43), 1988 (43) and 2009 (42) teams.
• The 2025 Hilltoppers become just the fourth team in program history to reach 40 wins in the regular season, joining the 1981, 1985 and 1988 squads.
• WKU has officially clinched a top four seed in the CUSA Tournament.
• This marks the eighth run-rule victory for the Hilltoppers this season.
• Drew Whalen got the start on the mound. The right-hander tossed 5.0 complete frames, allowing two runs on five hits with two runs and two walks while striking out two. He improved to a CUSA-leading 9-2.
• Dawson Hall was the only arm to see action in relief. The Bowling Green, Ky. native surrendered one run in 2.0 innings while striking out two.
• The Hilltopper offense produced 19 runs on 18 hits and 10 free passes with 19 RBI.
• WKU scored in double digits for the 16th time this season and scored 15 or more for the fifth time.
• Seven of nine starters produced multi-hit outings.
• The Hilltoppers launched five homers in a game for the first time since May 14, 2019 in a 20-12 loss at Austin Peay. Hvidsten had two while Siervo, Hayes and Haller had one each.
• Hayes, Haller and Hvidsten all had four RBI in the contest.
• Hayes was 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, two runs scored, a walk and a hit-by-pitch.
• Haller went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and a hit-by-pitch.
• Hvidsten recorded the first multi-homer game of the season for WKU. He finished the game 3-for-4 with two long balls, four runs scored and a walk. He's the first Hilltopper to have two home runs in one game since Lizama did it in the 2024 CUSA Tournament Semifinals against Dallas Baptist.
• Wideman reached base five times in a 3-for-3 outing with a triple, three RBI, three runs scored and two walks.
• Lizama went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored.
• Siervo was 2-for-4 with a leadoff homer, an RBI, three runs scored and two walks.
• Howard went 1-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
UP NEXT
• WKU and New Mexico State conclude the series tomorrow afternoon at Presley Askew Field. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. CT.
How to follow WKU Baseball: For complete information on WKU Hilltopper Baseball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Baseball on X and @WKUBaseball on Instagram.
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