The Western Kentucky baseball team claimed its opening series against Youngstown State by splitting a Saturday doubleheader.
The Hilltoppers (2-1) dropped Saturday's first game 8-7 in 10 innings, but bounced back with an 11-1 victory in the finale. They won Friday's season opener 5-3 in new coach John Pawlowski's first game at the helm.
Junior left-hander Ryan Thurston worked five shutout innings for the win in the nightcap, allowing just one hit and striking out five.
WKU had 14 hits in that win, paced by Thomas Peter's four hits and three RBIs. Peter also scored in a run.