Memphis Wins WKU Series

Sunday, February 18

Memphis, Tenn.

11 a.m.

University of Memphis

1-1

Western Kentucky

1-1

Western Kentucky

Memphis

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Feb 18, 2018 | Baseball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Tigers take series finale to win the series

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis and Western Kentucky split a Sunday doubleheader at FedExPark and the Tigers finished the weekend with a series win to start the season. The Tigers jumped out to a big lead in the series finale and the pitching staff held the Hilltoppers to just one run.

Memphis had to rebound after starting Sunday with a 3-1 loss to Western Kentucky. Jonathan Bowlan made his first start of the season and allowed just one unearned run in 6 1/3 innings but was saddled with the loss.

Redshirt freshman Evan Bell made his Memphis Tigers debut and had a few memorable moments. Bell provided the Tigers' only run in the early game, doubling and scoring on a wild pitch.

In the series finale, Bell made his first career start and took advantage with a two-run home run and another double. He finished the day 3-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Memphis grabbed an early lead with a four-spot in the first inning of the finale, chasing WKU's starting pitcher out of the game. The Tigers sent 10-men to the plate and had four hits and three walks in the frame. Webb walked with one out and Trela singled for his first hit of the season.

Hennemann then dumped a two-out single just over the shortstop's head to drive in Webb for the first run of the game. O'Keefe walked to load the bases before Williams lined a two-run single to left field to make it 4-0.

The Tigers extended the lead out to 7-0 in the third inning. Williams lined an RBI double to left field before Bell smashed his first career home run, a two-run shot to left-center.

WKU got on the board with a solo home run in the fourth inning but that's all the Tigers' pitching staff allowed in the game.

Alex Hicks started the finale and was solid, tossing six innings and allowing just one run on three hits. Hicks struck out five batters and allowed no walks.

James Muse made his season debut and pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Blake Bennett pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure the Tigers' win.

Memphis pitching allowed only four runs and struck out 30 WKU hitters in 27 innings pitched during the weekend.

Memphis will travel to Ole Miss for the first road test of the season Tuesday at 4 p.m. The Tigers swept the season series against the Rebels last year.