May 23, 2025

WKU Baseball Sets New Record for Regular Season Wins

News Summary

WKU Baseball achieved a historic feat with a 9-4 win over Jax State, not only securing the #2 seed in the Conference USA Championship but also marking the program’s 42nd win of the season. The Hilltoppers demonstrated resilience by rallying back from deficits, highlighted by a decisive fifth run seventh inning. Key performances included Ryan Wideman setting a single-season stolen base record. With a strong home record and postseason aspirations, WKU is poised for further success as they prepare for their regular season finale.

Bowling Green, KY – WKU Baseball made history on May 16, 2025, with a 9-4 victory over Jax State at Nick Denes Field, marking the program’s 42nd win of the season and setting a new record for the most regular season wins. The Hilltoppers showcased resilience by overcoming multiple deficits, especially during a decisive five-run seventh inning that solidified their triumph.

This win not only tied the series against Jax State but also secured WKU the #2 seed in the upcoming Conference USA Championship, which represents the team’s highest seed since joining the conference in 2015. With a current record of 42-11 and 18-8 in Conference USA play, WKU aims for further success in the postseason.

The Hilltoppers demonstrated impressive offensive prowess throughout the game, scoring nine runs on 11 hits along with seven RBI. Notably, Ryan Wideman established a new single-season stolen base record for WKU by stealing three bases during the match, bringing his season total to 42. The team also recorded seven stolen bases overall, showcasing their speed on the base paths.

Game Highlights

The game started with Jax State taking an early lead, initially scoring two runs in the third inning from a two-RBI triple. However, WKU fought back as Henry Brown stole home, tying the game at 2-2. Jax State regained the lead with an RBI double in the fourth inning, followed by an additional run in the sixth with an RBI single.

With the game on the line, Kyle Hayes tied it up again for WKU in the sixth inning with a sacrifice fly. The pivotal seventh inning began aggressively for the Hilltoppers, culminating in a two-RBI single from Austin Haller, followed by RBIs from Kyle Hvidsten, Ryan Wideman, and Ethan Lizama. This offensive blitz ensured that WKU pulled ahead decisively, leading to the 9-4 final score.

Pitching and Performance

Drew Whalen started on the mound for WKU, pitching four innings and allowing three runs on five hits while striking out three batters. Dawson Hall was awarded the win after pitching three innings, giving up only one run on three hits, and improving his season record to 6-1. Taylor Penn closed the game effectively, retiring six consecutive batters and striking out two.

Offensively, Hvidsten’s 2-for-3 performance included an RBI and a stolen base, along with two walks and a run scored. Carlos Vasquez had a strong outing, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and a walk. Both Hayes and Haller contributed significantly to the offense, with Hayes finishing 1-for-2 with two RBIs, while Haller added two RBIs to his performance.

Looking Ahead

This latest victory has also made the Hilltoppers 30-2 at home during the season, breaking the previous record for the most home wins in a single season. As WKU prepares for its regular season finale on May 17, 2025, the team will host Jax State at 1 p.m. CT, with senior day celebrations commencing at 12:30 p.m. CT. Coach Marc Rardin highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and enjoyment on the field, especially in the wake of prior challenges the team faced during the season.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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