Freshmen Antonio Butler and M.L. Williams combined for five hits and five runs batted in, but the Lipscomb Bisons fell 10-6 Wednesday night to Western Kentucky at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green.

The Bisons are leading the Atlantic Sun Conference. Western Kentucky is leading the Sun Belt.

Butler was the leading hitter in the game for the Bisons with three hits, including a two-RBI double and a two-run home run, for an individual season-high four runs batted in.

Williams had two hits and one RBI in the lead-off position.

Bisons coach Jeff Forehand expected Butler and Williams to contribute to the team, but not this quickly.

“When both of them are in the line-up it changes how our team plays and what we are able to do,” said Forehand. “They both press defenses because of their speed and athletic ability and what they can do when they get on base.

“We are proud of the progress they have made. We expected them to come in and be speedy base guys. Antonio is play very good in right field. M.L.’s on base percentage is way up there. It has been an added bonus to have them come through as quickly as they have.”

The Bisons fell behind 4-0 as Western Kentucky scored one run in the first and three in the second.

In the third the Bisons scored a pair of runs. Jay Moreland, who had two hits in the game, led off with an infield single to the shortstop. Butler followed with a home run over the right field fence.

Western Kentucky added one run in the fourth for a 5-2 lead.

The Bisons answered with a run of their own in the fourth. With one out Branden Cadavid walked. Ryan Wilkins doubled down the left field line to score Cadavid.

In the sixth Western Kentucky exploded for six runs.

The Bisons responded with three runs in their half of the sixth.

With one out Wilkins singled to center field. Andrew Nickerson was hit by pitch. Moreland singled to right field to load the bases. Butler struck again, this time with a two-run double to center that scored Wilkins and Nickerson.

M.L. Williams grounded out to the shortstop to send Moreland home.

The Bisons used six pitchers, starting with freshman Davey Hackett. Jerry Young was credited with the loss, his second in as many decisions.

Western Kentucky used seven pitchers.

Both teams finished with 12 hits.

Itwas the sixth multiple-RBI game for Butler, who is only one game behind team leader Justin Sanders.

M.L. Williams extended his hitting streak to six games, the longest current streak on the team. Cadavid has a five-game hitting streak, tying his second longest streak of the season.

The Bisons, 13-14, return to Atlantic Sun Conference action Friday and Saturday at Kennesaw State.

Western Kentucky raised its record to 20-7. They have lost only one game on their home field this season.