UE jumped to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, as juniors Derek Melton and Andy Smith opened the frame with back-to-back base hits, followed by a hit batsman and a pair of bases-loaded walks. The Purple Aces would then tack on the third run of the frame on an RBI fielder’s choice ground out by freshman outfielder Greg Wallace with the bases loaded.

 

The Hilltoppers would trim the deficit to 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning on an RBI ground out by shortstop Terrence Dayleg, before exploding for four runs in the fourth inning to take the lead for good. Designated hitter Chad Cregar opened the four-run frame with a solo home run off of UE starter Mark Obenchain (1-4), and then the Hilltoppers scored three two-out runs, highlighted by a two-run single by Dayleg.

 

Western Kentucky would then add another run in the fifth inning and four more in the sixth inning, highlighted by another home run by Cregar, his 15^th of the year. The Hilltoppers’ offense would come to a close in the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly by Dayleg, who drove in five men on the evening.

 

“Western Kentucky hit well early in the count, late in the count, up in the count, down in the count, it really didn’t matter,” said UE head coach David Seifert. “They were really locked in tonight at the plate, and Western is probably the best offense that we have faced so far this year.”

 

Outfielder Matt Payton and third baseman Wade Gaynor had three hits apiece for Western Kentucky, while Cregar went 2-for-5 with a pair of home runs and three driven in, while Dayleg went 2-for-4 with five RBI. Melton paced Evansville’s offense by going a perfect 4-for-4.

 

With the victory, Western Kentucky improves to 20-15 overall. Evansville (6-28 overall) will return to the diamond tomorrow night, as the Purple Aces will return to Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville to host long-time in-state rival Oakland City University. First-pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.