After a heartbreaking loss in first of a two game set, WKU was able to bounce back and split the series with the Bulldogs. The Toppers were able to grab their seventh win on the season and closer to making it back to .500. This also marks the 10th win for WKU against top 25 opponents since 2008.
This game started with a better pace than the first in the series. WKU was able to load the bases in the top half of the first for Danny Hudzina who drove homeCody Woffordwith a RBI ground out giving the Tops a 1-0.
Mississippi State was able to respond in third inning. A leadoff single, a hit batter, and a double steal put Bulldog runners in scoring position with nobody out. A RBI single knotted the game up 1-1 with Mississippi State still threatening to take the lead. WKU freshmanConnor McHughcame through and kept the damage to a minimum with a huge strike out and a 6-4-3 inning ending double play.
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The Hilltoppers broke it open once more in the sixth inning. Three straight singles by Hudzina,Philip Diedrick, andHunter Woodloaded the bases with nobody out. Kaleb Duckworth was able to bring in Hudzina with a sacrifice fly putting the Tops back on top 2-1.
WKU was able to plate a nice insurance run in the eighth. Hudzina lead it off with a walk and into third base off of an error and a wild pitch. A slow grounder from birthday boy Paul Murray lead to the second error in the inning for the Bulldogs and let Hudzina stroll home and score to give the Hilltoppers another run making it 3-1.
WKU turned to pitcherTate Glasscockfor an unblemished inning. After not extending the lead in the top half of the ninth inning the Toppers held the chance for a win in a save situation. Coach Matt Myers brought in a regular starterJosh Bartleyto lock in the series split.
This game was another standout performance by Hudzina who grabbed one hit, with an RBI and two runs scored. The six Topper pitchers who threw in the were also standouts. Facing 39 batters and only giving up one earned run on seven hits is an impressive feat against one of the most potent offenses in the nation.
Hopefully this win will help propel WKU into a win streak heading into conference play. The Hilltoppers open conference play with a three-game series at home against Old Dominion. This win should give WKU the boost needed to start their inaugural season in C-USA off right.
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