Courtesy of WKU Athletics
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – WKU Softball sent eight batters to the plate in its first
trip to the plate and would score three of its seven runs in the opening frame
before going on to win a midweek contest at Belmont, 7-2. Brylee Hage turned in a
two-hit, two-RBI outing while Katie Gardner earned the win while tossing 4.0 hitless
innings of relief against the Bruins.
“We came out with energy and made the necessary adjustments to win the game,” opened
head coach Amy Tudor. “We executed our short game and ran the bases well. Overall, a
great team effort and response.”
WKU improves to 17-9 overall with the win while Belmont moves to 11-21 on the
season. The Hilltoppers now own a 31-1 lead in the all-time series against BU.
Before the Hilltoppers ever took the field to play defense, they already owned a 3-0
lead. Taylor Davis and Hage each connected for first inning base hits while Paige
Carter, Princess Valencia and Jordan Ridge all earned a free pass on base.
Kelsey Aikey drew the start in the circle for the Hilltoppers and would work 3.0+
innings while striking out six Bruins before giving way to Gardner. Aikey’s six
strikeouts brings her to 546 across her career and with 17 more she’ll take over as
the Hilltoppers’ career strikeouts leader.
Gardner relieved Aikey in the bottom of the fourth and worked the final four frames
while not allowing a hit or run to the Bruins. She also struck out four Belmont
batters.
After Belmont plated its two scores in the bottom of the third to pull within one,
WKU responded in its next trip to the plate with three more runs. Webster led off
the top of the fourth with a walk before Carter, Davis and Sullivan would each
follow with hits to push the Tops’ lead to 6-2.
Jordan Ridge added the final tally with a leadoff home run in the top of the
seventh, connecting with the second pitch of the at bat to make the score 7-2.
Davis delivered two hits while scoring two runs, joining Hage with a multi-hit
performance. Sullivan and Ridge each drove in two runs for the Red and White as
well.
The Hilltoppers are now 2-1 in midweek contests this season, also downing No. 7
Kentucky. WKU will close out midweek action next Wednesday as Tennessee Tech comes
to town.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
* Friday, April 23 – 6 p.m. CT vs. Charlotte | Bowling Green, Ky.
* Saturday, April 24 – 1 & 4 p.m. CT vs. Charlotte | Bowling Green, Ky.
* Sunday, April 25 – 1 p.m. CT vs. Charlotte | Bowling Green, Ky.
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