NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers continued their winning streak Wednesday evening, defeating the Belmont Bruins 7-2 at First Horizon Park. The victory improves WKU’s record to 13-8 overall and a perfect 3-0 in Conference USA play. The Hilltoppers have now won five consecutive games, their longest winning streak of the season, and extended their series lead over Belmont to 30-26 in 56 total matchups.
WKU jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning, loading the bases before JP Acosta reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring Austin Haller. The Hilltoppers added to their advantage in the next inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Hayden Robbins, scoring Camden Ross.
The offensive surge continued in the second inning when Lane Arroyos launched a three-run home run – his fifth of the year – to extend WKU’s lead to 5-0. Arroyos finished the day 1-for-5 with three RBIs, marking the third time this season he’s driven in three runs in a single game.
Hilltoppers Utilize Deep Pitching Staff
What made Wednesday’s win particularly notable was the sheer number of pitchers used by Western Kentucky. A total of nine relievers took the mound for the Hilltoppers: Bryson Vawter, Kane Samuels, Gage Olsen, Roman Petricca, Conner Wolf, Mac McGarry, Sam Frizzi, Declan Francis, and Jacob O’Day.
Vawter and Petricca both made their Hilltopper debuts, with Vawter pitching one inning and facing three batters, while Petricca recorded one strikeout in 0.2 innings of operate. Ka’olu Holt earned his first win of the season after starting the game and recording three strikeouts and two walks in one inning pitched.
Ross and Haller Lead Offensive Charge
Beyond Arroyos’s home run, the Hilltoppers’ offense was fueled by strong performances from Camden Ross and Austin Haller. Ross went 2-for-2 at the plate, scoring three runs, while Haller went 1-for-3 and similarly crossed home plate three times. Hayden Robbins added a 1-for-1 performance with one RBI.
Belmont managed to score their first run in the seventh inning on a passed ball, and added another in the eighth, but WKU’s early lead proved insurmountable. The Hilltopper pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts, marking the tenth game this season in which they’ve reached double-digit strikeouts.
Looking Ahead to Jacksonville State
WKU will now travel to Jacksonville, Alabama, for a three-game series against Jax State. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT on Friday, March 20, and will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans can follow WKU Baseball for complete information on WKUSports.com or on social media at @WKU_Baseball on X and @WKUBaseball on Instagram.
The Hilltoppers will look to continue their winning ways as they head into conference play, building on the momentum from Wednesday’s decisive victory over Belmont.
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