News Summary
In a disappointing conclusion to their three-game series, WKU Baseball fell to Kennesaw State with a score of 8-2 on March 23, 2025. Despite a strong start, the Hilltoppers struggled to maintain momentum, ending the game with a record of 21-3 and a 1-2 standing in Conference USA. The loss marks a setback for the team as they prepare for their next matchup against Evansville.
Marietta, Georgia – WKU Baseball Ends Series on a Sour Note
Well, folks, it wasn’t the closing game that WKU Baseball was hoping for! The Hilltoppers took on Kennesaw State in the final match of a three-game series on March 23, 2025, at the picturesque S. Walter Kelly Sr. Memorial Field. After quite the battle, WKU fell to the Owls with a disappointing final score of 8-2.
WKU’s Record Takes a Hit
With this loss, the Hilltoppers now find themselves at an overall record of 21-3 and a less-than-stellar 1-2 in Conference USA play. What’s more? They are now 1-2 all-time against Kennesaw State, which surely puts a damper on their spirits.
Game Highlights
As the game began, the Owls quickly took charge, scoring the first run of the game with a slick RBI double in the opening inning. But hold on tight—WKU wasn’t going to back down easily! Drew Barragan stepped up in the second inning and dazzled everyone with a solo home run that knotted the score at 1-1. Cheers erupted from the WKU faithful!
However, Kennesaw State was determined to reclaim their lead, and they did just that with two back-to-back RBI doubles in the second inning, putting the score at 3-1. Not one to stay down for long, Kyle Hvidsten then brought another run home for WKU with a successful sacrifice fly in the third inning, closing the gap to 3-2.
Owls Soar Ahead
But that’s when things really took a turn. Kennesaw State wasn’t finished yet; they extended their lead to 6-2 with a two-RBI double followed by an RBI single in the same inning. To add insult to injury, the Owls blasted a solo home run in the fourth, causing the WKU fans to gasp in disbelief. As if that weren’t enough, an error by WKU in the eighth inning allowed Kennesaw State to slip in another run, bringing the score to an unfortunate 8-2.
Pitching Performance
WKU’s Gavin Perry made his fourth start of the season, pitching for two innings and allowing four runs (with two being earned) on five hits, while striking out one. Relief pitching included Lucas Litteral, Zach Lyles, Dawson Hall, and Evan Jones, each contributing in various ways. Litteral had a tough outing, allowing two runs, while Lyles had a career-high 3 1/3 innings where he gave up just one run on three hits.
Dawson Hall came in next, allowing one run (none earned) with two walks and a strikeout. Jones wrapped things up by striking out one batter in his brief appearance. Overall, WKU managed to record six hits and four walks, but it just wasn’t enough to bring them back from the deficit.
Notable Players of the Game
Barragan ended the game with a respectable 1-for-3 performance, including that big home run, an RBI, a run, and a walk. Reid Howard also made some noise with a 1-for-3 showing with a double and a run scored. Ethan Lizama chipped in with a 1-for-2 performance featuring two successful sacrifice bunts, while Hvidsten’s contributions included the additional RBI for WKU.
What’s Next for WKU?
As the dust settles from this game, the Hilltoppers will be looking to bounce back in their next contest against Evansville on March 25, 2025. Mark your calendars for a 6 p.m. CT first pitch at Braun Stadium! WKU is sure to come back strong and hungry for a win!
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Tops Drop Series Finale
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- WNKY: WKU Falls to Kennesaw State
- Google Search: WKU Baseball
- BG Daily News: WKU Baseball News
- Google Scholar: WKU Baseball
- Kennesaw State Owls: Hilltoppers Down Owls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WKU Baseball
- Kennesaw State Owls: Owls Host WKU
- Google News: WKU Athletics
