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Jack Bennett’s stellar pitching leads WKU baseball to upset victory over No. 8 Dallas Baptist

Apr 6, 2024 | 2:28 PM

BOWLING GREEN Sophomore Jack Bennett’s standout performance propelled WKU Baseball to a stunning 4-1 victory over No. 8 Dallas Baptist on Friday at Nick Denes Field. With the win, the Hilltoppers improve to 20-10 (5-2 CUSA), while the Patriots fall to 24-5 (5-2 CUSA).

“It started and ended on the mound tonight and it was Jack Bennett’s night,” said head coach Marc Rardin. “He just didn’t give them anything. I know he walked three, but he controlled it when he did it. He was under barrels, and he had them guessing. He strikes out 11. He gave us a chance every inning. Even when we had uncompetitive offense and went one, two, three on the offensive side when you think they could maybe get some momentum when they come to the plate. He just never gave it to them.”

Bennett set career-highs in strikeouts, innings pitched, and pitches thrown, tallying 11 strikeouts over 8.2 innings on 118 pitches. Despite conceding only one run, reducing his ERA to 3.47, he showcased exceptional control throughout the game.

Apart from the lone run by Dallas Baptist in the fifth inning, the Patriots struggled to advance runners, never reaching third base and only putting runners in scoring position on three occasions.

Junior Austin Haller led the offense with the only multi-hit performance, going 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Junior Caleb Marmo launched his first home run as a Hilltopper, finishing the night 1-for-3 with two RBI and a run. Sophomore Camden Ross also contributed an RBI with a double, going 1-for-4 at the plate.

WKU and Dallas Baptist continue their three-game series today with first pitch set for 4 PM CT.