Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Eastern Kentucky
Racers Drop Series Finale Against EKU
4/23/2011 5:13:34 PM | Softball
BOX SCORE
Murray State was able to score eight runs on just three hits Sunday afternoon, but an offensive outburst from Eastern Kentucky in the first two innings for the second straight game handed the Racers a 9-8 loss at Racer Field.
The Colonels put up five runs in the top of the first as the first six batters of the game safely reached base on five hits, a fielder's choice and an error.
MSU (18-24, 9-14 OVC) was able to answer in the bottom half of the frame, scoring its first run on a bases loaded walk with one out by Ellyn Troup. With two outs, Stephanie Mattocks hit a bases-clearing double into the gap in left center to leave the Racers trailing 5-4.
EKU (22-24, 9-17 OVC) added another run in the second as Raquel Howes homered to right field with two out for its sixth run of the game.
The Racers were able to tie the game in their half of the inning, pushing across two runs without recording a hit. Taylor Wilson was hit by a pitch and Jenna Bradley walked to put runners on first and third. Lauren Buch hit a hard ground ball to second that scored Wilson from third, and after getting the force out at first, Eastern Kentucky threw the ball away trying to get Bradley out after rounding third, letting Bradley score the tying run at 6-6.
MSU pulled ahead in the bottom of the fourth as Bradley and Troup were hit by pitches and Buch and Leslie Bridges drew walks. Bridges' walk with two outs and the bases loaded gave the Racers their first lead of the day at 7-6.
Nikki Bruce responded with a three run home run in EKU's half of the fifth after a pair of base hits put two runners in scoring position with nobody out. The Racers forced the Colonels to leave two runners stranded after a pair of base hits as the visitors jumped ahead in the inning 9-7.
Glosser got one run back for MSU in the bottom of the fifth, singling up the middle into center to drive home Meghan Sims for the Racers eighth run. The Racers had a chance to add more runs, but left the bases loaded to end the inning.
MSU drew a total of 12 walks on the day, surpassing its previous high this season of nine and drawing double digit walks for the first time this season.
Leslie Bridges was saddled with the loss, her first of the season. She tossed 3.2 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out four as all five Murray State pitchers saw action today.
Noe Esperas earned the win for Eastern Kentucky in relief, limiting the Racers to a run on two hits and four walks in the final 3.1 innings of the contest.
The Racers stay at home this week, playing eight games in five days over a six-day span. Mid Continent comes to town Tuesday with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. The Racers will be holding their annual Strikeout Cancer fundraiser Tuesday night, accepting donations on a per-strikeout basis or a flat amount. All proceeds will go towards research and development for the fight against breast cancer.
