Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Eastern Kentucky
Racers Earn Shutout Victory Over Eastern Kentucky In Weather Shortened Game
4/24/2010 8:00:00 PM | Softball
The Murray State softball team came out ready to play in the top of the first inning and never looked backed on its way to a 5-0 victory over Eastern Kentucky in six innings. The game was shortened after rain and lightening moved into the Richmond, Ky., area. The win moved the Racers to 19-25 overall and 8-9 in Ohio Valley Conference action, giving them more cushion over the Colonels (12-32, 6-12 OVC), who were two spots below them in the standings heading into today's game.
Freshman Shelby Kosmecki was strong in the circle for MSU, earning her second consecutive shutout in the past three days. Kosmecki retired seven of the last eight batters today and allowed only six hits on the day. The Somerset, Ky., native is the only member of the Racer pitching staff to record a shutout this season, with her first coming against Mid Continent (April 22) at Racer Field.
MSU started the game off in the top of the first, scoring all five of its runs before allowing EKU to step to the plate. Freshman Megan Belio started the Racers off by drawing a walk and was followed on base by sophomore Megan Glosser, who hit a single at the shortstop. Belio and Glosser were then batted in by junior Jenna Bradley, who hit a game-winning double to left center field.
The Racers added three more runs in the inning after taking advantage of two walks, a single by junior Stephanie Mattocks, a dropped pop-up by the Colonels shortstop, and a pass ball. MSU took the 5-0 advantage into the top of the first and despite an opening walk, went three-up three down after catching the first batter stealing.
EKU had scoring chances in the third and fourth innings, but strong defense held the Colonels without a run crossing the plate. In the third, the bases were loaded with no outs, but the next batter lined to Glosser at short and a short hopper back at Kosmecki allowed the Racers to get the forced out at the plate before the final out was recorded with a pop-up to Glosser.
After the fourth inning, both teams went three-up, three-down to end the game without another scoring opportunity. The game was called after the sixth inning due to rain and lightening in the area.
Due to the weather the teams were also forced to move the second game of the day to Sunday's schedule and push the start time to 10 a.m. (CST) at Gertrude Hood Field.
Quotes
Head Coach Jay Pyron
"I think we made things happen in the first inning by getting on base early and Jenna Bradley's hit to put us ahead was big."
"When you get an opportunity to score you have to cash it in and put yourself in position to win. That is what we were able to accomplish today."
" Shelby Kosmecki has found her way and is confident right now. She is doing some things that we have asked her to work on and it is good to see her build on what she accomplished against Mid Continent."
Freshman Shelby Kosmecki
"I feel really good about my pitching right now. I have been working hard all season to become a better all-around pitcher and now I am felling confident."
"Our defense is playing solid right now and it gives me more confidence knowing that I have them behind me."
