Posted: Apr 30, 2017
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
MOREHEAD, Ky. – A seven-run third inning was enough to propel the Tennessee Tech softball team to an 8-6 victory over Morehead State on Sunday, but the Golden Eagles weren't able to complete the sweep as the home-standing Eagles won 5-3 in the finale.
Tech (16-28, 8-8) closes out the regular season on Friday as it hosts Ohio Valley Conference leader Jacksonville State for a twinbill.
In game one, it was a pair of three-run home runs that helped lead to the seven-run outburst as Gabby LaSala and Kelly Kennedy each blasted long shots to put Tech on the scoreboard. LaSala's blast scored Alyssa Richards and Gabby Perez, while Kennedy knocked in Hallie Davis and Aalia Bivens. Perez also allowed Demi Coleman to score as she reached on an error in the circle.
Davis later hit a single in the sixth with an error at short allowing LaSala to score for Tech's final run of the contest.
Danielle Liberatore (8-9) picked up the win, allowing six runs on 10 hits as she walked three and struck out five In the complete game effort.
Megan Tymorek (5-8) took the loss, allowing three earned runs – seven total – on seven hits in three innings of work.
In game two, the Golden Eagles had a 3-0 lead midway through the sixth inning, but Morehead struck for five runs in the bottom half and held on for the win.
Bayli Cruse drove in Tech's run in the third inning, plating Perez on a single. Richards followed that up with a two-run shot in the sixth, scoring Perez.
Morehead's Allison Rager drove in Cassie Griffin on a bases-loaded walk, then Ellen Barrett hit a two-run double and Taylor Wheeler hit a two-run single to take the lead.
Leigh Ellen Thomas (6-13) took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings with one walk and two strikeouts.
Chelsea McManaway earned the win, allowing three runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out five.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information