Racers Even Series Behind Broemmer Grand Slam, Graber Complete Game

Saturday, May 3

Murray, KY

3:30 p.m.

Murray State

21-26, 11-15

Illinois State

22-29, 16-11

Redbirds

Murray State

Photo by: David Eaton-Murray State Athletics

Racers Even Series Behind Broemmer Grand Slam, Graber Complete Game

5/3/2025 7:50:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Murray State to Return for Sunday Rubber Match

By: Charlie Williams

The Murray State Racers (21-26, 11-15 MVC) defeated the Illinois State Redbirds (22-29, 15-11 MVC) 6-1 to even the series on Senior Day in Murray, Ky.

The game was a pitching duel through the opening innings with Karlye Graber and Paige McLeod trading blows in the circle. Despite both teams putting runners in scoring position, neither was able to break through for the first four innings.

Katy Huels scored the first of the Racers' runs on a fielder's choice by Ava Ozment to finally put a run on the board in the fifth inning. The Racers were not done as Kayleigh White walked to load the bases, and Hannah Sutton walked again to score Parker Holcombe and keep the bases loaded. Bailey Broemmer delivered the final blow for the Racers with the first grand slam of her career. The center fielder hit a towering shot to left field that gave the Racers a commanding 6-0 lead and their third grand slam of the season.

The Redbirds added a run of their own in the top of the sixth on a Tatum Wolford homer that cut the Murray State lead to 6-1. However, the Redbirds could not get on the board in the seventh as Karlye Graber struck out Bella Atkinson to end the game and seal the Murray State win.

The Racers scored their six runs on six hits and committed no errors on the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Redbirds scored one run on two hits and committed two errors.

Katy Huels led the Racers in hits, going 2-4 with a run scored. Bailey Broemmer led the team with three RBI on her grand slam, and Erin Lackey, Hannah Sutton, and Parker Holcombe each added a hit as well.

Karlye Graber (8-9) went the distance in the circle, allowing just one run on two hits. The freshman collected four strikeouts and walked two.

Paige McLeod (4-11) took the loss, pitching four and one-third innings and allowing five hits and four runs, three of them earned. Tatum Wolford and Addison Masching were responsible for the Redbirds' only hits of the day.

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