Cards Blank Western Kentucky Behind Hensley's One-Hitter

Wednesday, April 19

LOUISVILLE, KY

6 p.m.

University of Louisville

26-14

WESTERN KENTUCKY

24-23

Western Kentucky

Louisville

Cards Blank Western Kentucky Behind Hensley's One-Hitter

April 19, 2017 | Softball

Box Score Louisville 1 - Western Kentucky 0 Photo Gallery

Hensley tosses a one-hit shutout, drives in the only run in 1-0 win over Western Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Sophomore Megan Hensley tossed a complete game one-hit shutout and drove in the only run of the game to lift the University of Louisville softball team to a 1-0 win over visiting Western Kentucky Wednesday evening at Ulmer Stadium.

Hensley (7-6) struck out three and walked two in her first complete game shutout of the season. After giving up a single to Adarian Gray in the fourth, the sophomore retired the final 11 batters she faced to get the win.

Offensively, the Cardinals collected five hits. In addition to Hensley's RBI single, Becker went 1-for-1 while seniors Jordan McNary and Tiarra Sanabria each had a hit.

"We got a great performance from Megan today," said UofL head coach Sandy Pearsall. "I was really happy to see her go out there and get the job done for us both offensively and in the circle. I also thought our defense played well behind her."

After three and a half scoreless innings, the Cardinals broke through with a run in the fourth. Junior Nicole Pufahl connected on a leadoff double, moved to third on senior Maryssa Becker's sacrifice bunt and crossed the plate on Hensley's RBI hit.

The Hilltoppers (24-23) had a runner in scoring position early when Paige Carter led off the game with a walk and stole second. WKU would move a runner to second twice more in the game, but Hensley and the Cardinal defense held strong to preserve the shutout.

Kathryn Downing (13-10) took the loss, surrendering one earned run on five hits and striking out two in six innings.

"We certainly have respect for Western Kentucky and Kathryn Downing is a good pitcher who knows how to keep the ball in the park," said Pearsall. "We knew coming in that we were going to have to make adjustments at the plate."

Louisville (26-14, 9-4 ACC) will return to ACC action this weekend when the Cardinals play host to conference leader and No. 2/3-ranked Florida State in a three-game series April 22-24. Saturday and Sunday's games will be shown on ESPNU.