WKU Baseball began its Conference USA Championships campaign with a tough 7-5 loss to FIU on Wednesday morning at Pat Patterson Park. As the third seed, the Hilltoppers will now face the loser of the game between seventh-seeded New Mexico State and second-seeded Dallas Baptist in an elimination matchup scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. CT.
Game Highlights
- Offensive Standouts: Junior Austin Haller and senior Jaylin Rae led the Hilltoppers’ offense with three hits each. Haller also scored two runs. Junior Joey Baran had a multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Juniors Eli Burwash, Brady Browning, and Zayd Brannigan each contributed an RBI in the loss.
- Pitching Performance: Senior Jacob Bimbi started the game, striking out five batters over 4.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Sophomore Lucas Litteral took the loss, giving up one run on one hit in 1.0 inning. Junior Cole Heath pitched a scoreless fifth inning, conceding just one hit.
Game Summary
The Hilltoppers took an early lead with two runs in the third inning. Haller scored on a wild pitch, and Baran capitalized on a well-executed intentional pickle play. FIU responded with a two-run home run in the fourth to tie the game. WKU regained the lead with an RBI groundout by Burwash and an RBI single by Browning.
FIU surged ahead in the seventh inning, scoring three runs to take a 5-4 lead. The Panthers extended their advantage with two more runs in the ninth inning.
WKU attempted a comeback in the ninth inning. Brannigan’s RBI double provided a spark, but the Hilltoppers were unable to complete the rally, falling short at 7-5.
Next Steps
The Hilltoppers face a critical elimination game on Thursday at 9 a.m. CT against the loser of the New Mexico State vs. Dallas Baptist game. With their season on the line, WKU will need to bring their best to advance in the Conference USA Championships.
