Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Southeast Missouri
Home Runs Propel Racers to Series Victory Over Southeast Missouri
4/18/2010 9:00:00 PM | Softball
The Murray State softball team earned a 9-4 win over Southeast Missouri State to claim the series victory at Racer Field at Murray-Calloway County Park.
"I am excited with how the team responded after yesterday's games," said head coach Jay Pyron. "I have been challenging them lately to compete and respond in these situations. The response we got today was something that a veteran team would do."
Junior Stephanie Mattocks hit a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning and junior Jenna Bradley hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the second to help lead the Racers (15-24, 7-9 OVC) to victory. Mattocks' and Bradley's home runs were two of a season-best four in the game, as junior Lauren Buch and freshman Kaitlyn England each added a homer.
Sophomore Chelsey Sullivan earned the victory in the circle, recording one strike out in 2.1 innings of work. Freshman Shelby Kosmecki pitched the last 3.2 innings and recorded her third career save.
MSU tallied four runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the lead for good. Sophomore Megan Glosser hit a single at the pitcher and then stole second. Glosser advanced to third on a fielder's choice that allowed Bradley to reach safely. Freshman Ellyn Troup was then walked to load the bases. Despite England recording a strike out for the second out of the inning Mattocks stepped to the plate and hit a shot over the center field fence to record the second grand slam in Racer history.
The Redhawks (14-24, 5-12 OVC) garnered one run in the top of the second on three hits, but Bradley responded in the bottom of the second with a solo home run down the left field line.
Buch then took her turn to hit a home run in the game in the third inning. Mattocks reached on a fielder's choice that forced England out at second after a single to right center. Buch then hit her second homer of the season to left field to push the lead to 7-1.
SEMO did not give up and tallied four runs in the top of the fourth when they drew two walks, were hit by a pitch twice and garnered one hit. However, the Racers again scored in the bottom of the fourth to increase their lead to 9-4.
This time it was England's turn to hit a home run to score two runs. Troup singled to right center as the first batter of the innings, and England followed with a shot down the left field line.
After that it was all defense for both teams. The top of the fifth saw Buch accounting for all three outs, as she snagged a line drive just to the right of second base out of the air for the first out and then knocked down the next two batters ground balls to earn an assist on each play. The sixth inning saw Bradley come up with two catches in center field, including a diving catch for the second out.
MSU now travels to play SIU Edwardsville, Tuesday, April 20 for a double header starting at 3 p.m. before retuning to Racer Field for their final non-conference games of the season. The Racers will face Mid-Continent, Thursday, April 22 for doubled header action starting at 3 p.m.
Quotes
Head Coach Jay Pyron
"Today we didn't just make routine plays; we were able to make a few outstanding plays in the field."
"Everybody is starting to get more comfortable in the field and it is showing. They are playing well together and focused. We are happy with the confidence level that is showing right now."
