GAME ONE
WKU 12, SEMO 4
- SEMOÂ plated three runs in the second, loading the bases and capitalizing on a sacrifice groundout to score firstÂ
- WKU answered in the bottom half, narrowing the deficit on an RBI single from Ian Nguyen to drive in Austin Haller and JP Acosta
- A Lane Arroyos double down the left field line drove in Nguyen and Hayden Nazarenus and gave the Tops a 5-3 advantage entering the thirdÂ
- The Redhawks responded with an RBI single to cut the Hilltopper lead to 5-4 in the top third
- After scoreless fourth and fifth innings, WKU broke the game open with a six-run sixth inning to take an 11-4 lead; Daniel Stewart registered an RBI single to plate Nguyen, Camden Ross and Reid Howard followed with RBI singles and Kyle Hayes delivered a two-RBI pinch-hit single, later scoring on a caught stealingÂ
- Kiefer Tarnoki scored on a wild pitch in the seventh to add to the Hilltopper lead and wrap a 12-4 victory in game one
- Arroyos paced the Tops' offense with a 3-for-5 effort, including two doubles and two RBIs.
- Ross went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and Nguyen finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored
- Haller tallied two hits, contributing to the team's 16 total hits on the day
- Gavin Perry started and went 4.1 innings, allowing four runs while striking out three
- Mick Uebelhor earned the win with 3.2 scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits and striking out two; Dawson Hall closed the final frame with two strikeouts.
WKU 4, SEMO 2
- WKU struck first in the opening frame as Stewart doubled to right center to plate Arroyos for a 1-0 lead
- SEMO answered with a pair of runs in the third before the Hilltoppers tied the contest in the fourth off an RBI single from Haller to drive in Howard
- The count remained even at 2-2 until Acosta doubled to right center and later scored on an RBI single from Tarnoki
- Howard delivered an insurance run with an RBI double to left center, driving in Nazarenus and giving WKU a 4-2 lead in the eighth
- Left-hander Zach Lyles recorded a scoreless ninth to close the game and secure a 4-2 victory in the Tops' favorÂ
- Aaron Robertson turned in a strong start, tossing 6.0 innings with seven strikeouts while allowing two runs; Robertson currently holds a 1.80 ERA with 14 strikeouts through 10.0 innings pitched on the season
- Jude Favela earned the win with 2.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen
- Howard finished 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI; Haller went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI, while Tarnoki added two hits and an RB
WKU wraps its weekend series facing SEMO with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Nick Denes Field. Game one of Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. CT with game two following at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets for the weekend series facing SEMO 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.
