NASHVILLE, TN – Lipscomb took to Draper Diamond for the 18
th time this season in a mid-week matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. With the series tied all-time at 18-18, the stakes were high for both teams.
WESTERN KENTUCKY, LIPSCOMB
The Hilltoppers scored the first score of the game in the top of the second after going three up three down in the first. The Bisons refused to let the momentum shift early and
Josey Polk closed the inning with a double play to give Lipscomb a chance to even the score.
Lipscomb struggled to find a hit after the first inning, but they kept Western Kentucky from extending their lead.
Laine Barefoot recorded two strikeouts in the top of the third to keep the Bisons' hopes alive.
Alyssa recorded her second hit in the bottom of the third with a double to left center. Western Kentucky tried to make a play on it but the ball dropped just short of the centerfielder.
After the fourth inning, the Bisons still trailed 0-1. The Hilltoppers recorded two hits and placing runners on second and third. Lipscomb held their ground but couldn't find a run before the top of the sixth.
Lipscomb allowed two singles to open the sixth before the Hilltoppers recorded four more runs in three consecutive at-bats, including a two-run homer.
The Bisons were fired up, entering the bottom of the sixth down 0-5. Hastings recorded the Bisons' third hit of the evening on a doubled to left center. She advanced to third on a throwing error before
Brenna Sherman recorded an RBI single to send Hastings home. J.Polk got in on the action, doubling down the right field line to advance Sherman to third.
The Hilltoppers relieved their pitcher but
Presley Rader kept the Bisons' momentum going. She doubled to left center, earning 2 RBI and runs from Sherman and J.Polk. Lipscomb cut the lead to two, only down 3-5 heading into the seventh.
Halle Klaiber entered the circle for Lipscomb before
Courtney Sauer relieved her. Western Kentucky put their foot on the gas, recording a three-run homer for an 8-3 lead. The Bisons sent the Hilltoppers back to their dugout to rally for the bottom of the seventh.
Despite their best efforts, the Bisons couldn't cut the deficit and the Hilltoppers left Nashville with a win.
Alyssa Hastings hit a perfect 3-3 with two doubles and a run.
Josey Polk hit 1-2, earning a walk with one run and one double.
UP NEXT
Lipscomb will hit the road for an ASUN series rematch with North Alabama. The series will open with a doubleheader in Florence, AL with the first game starting on Saturday, Apr. 5
th at 2 PM
