HOW IT HAPPENED
- Jax State started the third with a pair of base hits to right center field to take a 1-0 lead over the Hilltoppers. With a runner on third, a wild pitch gave the Gamecocks a two-run lead. That was followed with a two-run home run.
- Lane Arroyos riffled a base hit into left center with one out in the fourth, marking the first hit of the afternoon for the Hilltoppers.
- Jax State added a run in the fifth and seventh for a 6-0 lead.
- With a runner on in the eighth Kyle Hayes launched his fifth home run of the year over the wall in left field to cut the margin to 6-2.
NOTABLES
- With the loss WKU drops to 13-10 (3-2 CUSA) on the year.
- The Hilltoppers are now 6-10 all-time against the Gamecocks.
- Aaron Robertson started for WKU on Saturday. Robertson worked 4.0 innings, allowing four runs on six hits along with four strikeouts and no walks.
- Robertson has yet to allow a walk in 23.0 innings pitched this season.
- Two relievers saw action on Saturday for WKU in Jacob O'Day and Conner Wolf.
- O'Day tossed a season high 3.1 innings, striking out two while allowing one run (earned) on three hits.
- The Hilltoppers allowed just one free base Saturday (intentional walk). WKU pitching has now allowed one or fewer walks in two games this season.
- Kyle Hayes hit his fifth home run of 2026, a two-run home run. Hayes would finish 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
- Hayes has now had a multi-RBI game seven times this season.
- Lane Arroyos went 1-for-3. Arroyos has recorded at least one hit in 19 games this year and has gotten on base at least once in every game.
NEXT UP
WKU will wrap up the three game series with the Gamecocks on Sunday, March 22. First pitch from Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium is set for 1 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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.
