TROY, Ala. – Western Kentucky (2-4) used a five-run first inning to key a 6-1 win over Southeast Missouri (0-2) Friday morning at the Troy University Cardinal Clash.
 
WKU capitalized on three errors to score five unearned runs in the top of the first.
 
The Hilltoppers added another tally in the sixth inning on a bunt single by Jenna Blanton.
 
SEMO avoided the shutout with its only run in the bottom of the seventh.
 
Pinch-hitter Kinley Wilkins walked and later touched home on a two-out throwing error.
 
All of the Redhawks runs have come in the seventh inning through the first two games this season.
 
Maddy Wood (2-1) went the distance allowing just one run on five hits. Wood had three strikeouts and two walks, as well.
 
Tegan Livesay (0-1), in her first start of the year, struck out one, walked two and allowed five runs (all unearned) on four hits in four innings of work.
 
Delaney Kell pitched the final three innings out of the bullpen striking out two in her first relief appearance.
 
For the second-straight game, Tatum Gerwitz finished with multiple-hits. Gerwitz was 2-for-3 in the leadoff spot in the Redhawks lineup. Tori Bradley also went 2-for-3 for her first multi-hit performance of 2025.
 
SEMO collected five hits in the contest.