HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Despite nine strikeouts from Ryan Thurston and a two-run home run from Marshall Smith, Western Kentucky lost to Marshall 3-2 on Friday. Going into the ninth inning tied 2-2, the two-hour and 13-minute game ended on a bases-loaded single by Thundering Herd catcher Reynaldo Pastrana with one out.
After allowing a solo homer in the first frame, Thurston settled in nicely. His nine punchouts were the most since the 14-strikeout performance vs. Illinois State on March 10. The lefty had two strikeouts in three different innings and at least one in 6 of 8 frames.