Hot Rods to Host Pair of WKU Baseball Games

Hilltoppers will play Louisville, Kentucky at Bowling Green Ballpark

February 3, 2011

Bowling Green, KY - The Bowling Green Hot Rods, Class A affiliate of the American League East Champion Tampa Bay Rays, and Western Kentucky University announced the WKU Baseball team is set to play a pair of games at Bowling Green Ballpark this spring. The Hilltoppers will host key rivalry match-ups against the University of Louisville on April 5 and the University of Kentucky on April 19 at the Hot Rods' downtown stadium.

"We are excited to see the Hilltoppers return to Bowling Green Ballpark in April," said Hot Rods President Brad Taylor. "These games give us a chance to show off our facility while continuing our partnership with a premier baseball program and first-class university."

The Hilltoppers first venture into Bowling Green Ballpark came last spring with a dominating 24-8 victory over Kentucky, highlighted by a 16-run second inning. The game proved to be a victory for the South Central Kentucky baseball community with 6,183 fans viewing the game, setting a record for the most watched college baseball game ever in the state of Kentucky.

"We are really excited about the opportunity to play at the Bowling Green Ballpark again this year," said WKU Baseball coach Chris Finwood. "Beating Kentucky last year was a great experience for our fans and our ballplayers. The atmosphere that night rivaled anything I've ever experienced during my years in the SEC. We are excited to be playing our two big in state rivals Kentucky and Louisville downtown and hope to have the great support again for our ballclub."

Each game begins at 6 PM with gates opening at 4 PM at Bowling Green Ballpark. As a courtesy to their fans, the Hot Rods will be selling tickets for both games for $5 each; fans can call (270) 901-2121 to place their order. Tickets are also available by calling the WKU Ticket Office at (270) 745-5222 or by visiting www.wkusports.com.

Citizens First Opening Night is just 67 days away. The Hot Rods open their third season with on Monday, April 11, at 6:35 PM against the Fort Wayne TinCaps (San Diego Padres). 2011 Mini-Plans are on sale featuring 6-Game, 10-Game, and 17-Game options, all with a variety of free incentives. For more information, visit www.bghotrods.com or call the Hot Rods Ticket Office at 270.901.2121.

For Hot Rods/Ballpark questions, please contact Tom Gauthier with the Hot Rods at (270) 901-2121 ext. 219. For media credentials and WKU related questions, please contact Melissa Anderson with WKU at (270) 745-3756.