Western Kentucky fell short in a matchup of top-20 baseball programs as the No. 20 Hilltoppers dropped a 5-2 decision to No. 17 Louisville on Tuesday night at Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville.

WKU’s Joe Siervo got the scoring started with a solo home run in the top of the first inning.

Louisville answered and took the lead 2-1 with a two-RBI double in the bottom of the frame.

The Hilltoppers’ Kyle Hayes knotted the score at 2-all with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

The Cardinals retook the advantage 3-2 with an RBI single in the sixth.

Louisville used a two-run homer to extend its lead to 5-2 in the seventh.

WKU dropped to 31-6 on the season and 70-76-1 all-time against Louisville.

The Tops’ Gavin Perry got the starting nod on the mound for the sixth time this season. The right-hander struck out one in four innings of work while surrendering two runs on two hits and no walks.

Taylor Penn and Patrick Morris made appearances out of the bullpen. Penn claimed three strikeouts in 2 2/3 frames while allowing three runs (two earned) and no walks. Morris held the Cardinals scoreless in 1 2/3 innings while fanning two batters.

WKU scored two runs on four hits with two RBIs.

Siervo reached base three times in 2-for-3 day with a home run, a double, an RBI, two runs scored and a walk.

Hayes had the other RBI in a 1-for-3 performance with a walk.

WKU returns home for Conference USA play this weekend against Middle Tennessee. First pitch from Nick Denes Field on Thursday is set for 6 p.m.