The sophomore second baseman went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs, including a two-run homer in the fifth, as the Hilltoppers (20-18 overall, 7-9 Conference USA) opened their home series against UTSA with a 7-5 win at Nick Denes Field.
Kraft was making his first start in the No. 4 position in the lineup after 26 games this season in the leadoff spot and nine games in the No. 2 slot.
He missed WKU's two midweek games against Belmont and Evansville this week with a minor foot injury, but returned to the lineup Friday against UTSA (14-22, 5-11) with Pawlowski's full confidence.