Box Score LOUISVILLE, Ky. ? Bradley scored two runs in the fifth and pushed across one run in the bottom of the sixth to rally for a 3-2 victory against Western Kentucky Friday at the Red and Black Cardinal Tournament in Louisville, Ky. The Braves improved to 8-2 on the season with the victory.
Western Kentucky (4-12 overall) grabbed an early lead, plating one run in the top of the first inning. Sam Cronk led off the game with a triple and scored on a groundout to second base. The Hilltoppers added another run in the top of the third inning to take a 2-0 lead. Terri Ellingsworth drew a lead off walk in the second and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt. She eventually scored on a Bradley throwing error to score Western Kentucky's second run of the game.
Bradley score two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to tie the game. Sophomore Miriam Wegmann drew a one-out walk and advanced to third on a Katy Dammer single. Dammer stole second base and Wegmann scored on a Western Kentucky throwing error. Dammer tied the game at 2-2 when she eventually scored on an RBI single by senior Christine Cooney.
Sophomore Ashley Birdsong entered the game in relief of Bradley starter Amanda Clack and retired the side in order in the top of the sixth inning.
Sophomore Alycia Bachkora put the Braves ahead in the bottom of the sixth inning with a one-out solo homer to give Bradley a 3-2 lead.
Birdsong pitched out of a jam in the bottom of the seventh inning to pick up her sixth win of the year. Alana Towns ripped a one-out triple, before Birdsong struck out the final two batters to preserve the victory. Birdsong picked up her 12th victory in her last 13 decisions and is now 6-1 on the season.
Bradley will return to action Sunday when the Braves play Akron at 11:30 a.m. at the Red and Black Cardinal Tournament in Louisville, Ky.
