MARIETTA, Ga. - Western Kentucky's (21-2, 1-1 CUSA) pitching staff ruled the day Saturday as they held Kennesaw State (9-14, 1-1 CUSA) to just one run in the 4-1 Owl loss.
KSU will pick up the rubber match at 1 p.m. Sunday to finalize the first Conference USA series in program history. Sunday is SPSU Recognition/Alumni Day, fans can pick up throwback SPSU stickers at the marketing table at the game.
How It Happened
Much like Friday's game, the offense was sparked early as Western Kentucky pummeled a solo home run to take the first-inning lead.
The pitching was sharp for both sides as KSU's
Harry Cain rolled after the first inning. The right-hander tossed five scoreless frames while ending the day with three strikeouts. It was the longest outing of Cain's career.
The fifth inning proved to be an opportunity for KSU to notch the first run of the game. With one out, Aaron Poset sliced a single through the middle of the defense while
Shamaar McDuffie did the same with the first pitch of his at-bat. A two-out walk from
Chris Cole loaded the bases for KSU, but they were unable to bring any runs home. The standstill held at a 1-0 Hilltopper lead.
The top of the sixth inning called for another solo home run for Western Kentucky, jumping to a 2-0 score.
A handful of runners found their way on the base paths for WKU in the eighth inning but the Owls were able to stunt the crooked inning and only allow one run to cross. A double steal attempt from WKU was nipped in the bud as a runner was gunned down at home plate from McDuffie.
WKU tacked on another run in the top of the ninth inning, creating a 4-0 game.
The Owls prevented the shutout with a
Donovan Cash single that split through the middle of the infield, cutting it to 4-1. The comeback attempt was cut short resulting in a 4-1 win for Western Kentucky.
Spotlight Performances
- Cash's RBI brought his career total to 147, just five away from breaking Ronnie Freeman's DI program record of 151.
- Cain dazzled through 5.1 IP, compiling three strikeouts and limiting the best Conference USA offense to just two runs.
- In the top of the fourth inning,
Hudson Mimbs made a marvelous diving catch taking away a hit for WKU.
- For the first time this season, KSU has registered back-to-back games with no errors.
- In the final inning, the Owls kept their streak alive of 188 consecutive home games played without being shut out.
Next Up
The rubber match will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday versus Western Kentucky to finalize the first Conference USA series for Kennesaw State.
