GAME ONE
BYU 3, WKU 2
- The Cougars struck first with a run in the top of the second inning
- WKU answered in the bottom half, evening the count on an RBI single from Ian Nguyen
- The score remained even until the sixth after an RBI single to left field from Lane Arroyos advanced Kiefer Tarnoki gave the Tops a 2-1 lead
- BYU rallied in the ninth, plating two runs to reclaim a 3-2 advantage
- WKU put the tying run on base in the bottom of the ninth but fell short of evening the score, falling 3-2
The Tops tallied seven hits, leaving 13 runners on base. Nguyen led the way with two doubles and an RBI, while Parker Coley added a double. Reid Howard and Austin Haller each swiped two bases.
GAME TWO
WKU 5, BYU 2
- WKU jumped ahead early as Arroyos homered to right field to drive in two runs in the first inning
- The Hilltoppers added another in the fifth off a Camden Ross homer to right center to extend the lead to 3-0
- A two-run seventh inning pushed the WKU advantage to 5-0 as JP Acosta doubled to right center, driving in Howard and Ross
- BYU managed two runs in the ninth before WKU closed on a 5-2 victory
Aaron Robertson earned the win in his first career start with WKU, striking out seven over 4.0 shutout innings while allowing just three hits. Jacob O'Day and Jude Favela combined for 3.1 scoreless innings in relief. After BYU rallied for two runs in the ninth, Nathan Lawson recorded the final two outs to secure the save.
WKU drew 10 walks in the game and capitalized on limited scoring opportunities, finishing with five runs on five hits to secure the split and even the series at 1-1.
NEXT UP
WKU will continue its season-opening series with the Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Nick Denes Field. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. CT.
Tickets for the weekend series facing BYU can be purchased here or by calling 1-800-5-BIG RED.
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.
