BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The University of Dayton baseball team fell in the 2023 opener to Western Kentucky University, 5-3, on Friday, Feb. 17, at Nick Denes Field despite out-hitting the Hilltoppers 8-4.

The #FlyBoys had baserunners on in four of the first five innings, finally breaking through for three runs in the fifth. Senior starter Ryan Steinhauer dazzled through five innings, turning aside WKU in perfect order and collecting five strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Hilltoppers loaded the bases with no out in the sixth when a walk forced home their first run of the game, and a bases-clearing double to the next batter gave them the lead.

BY THE NUMBERS
8 - amount of hits for the FlyBoys in the game, doubling up WKU's four
5 - strikeouts for Steinhauer, who, despite taking the loss and giving up four earned runs, had a great showing in his first start of the season
3 - innings of scoreless relief for the bullpen trio of Anthony Hattrup, Nick Wissman and Seth Claybourne
2 - doubles by senior outfielder Jose Martinez
2 - base hits and RBI for senior DH Ben Jones
2 - total hits for junior Michael Adair, who tallied a run scored and RBI

UP NEXT
Dayton and Western Kentucky are scheduled to start Game Two of the series Saturday, Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. ET

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