By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Senior Bayli Cruse knocked in three of Tennessee Tech's four runs on Friday as the Golden Eagle softball team opened Ohio Valley Conference play with Southeast Missouri taking both ends of the doubleheader.
The Redhawks (18-10, 2-0 OVC) defeated Tech 5-1 in the opener, then 4-3 in the nightcap.
Tech (9-19, 0-2 OVC) continues conference play on the road on Sunday as it travels to UT Martin.
Cruse went 3-for-6 on the day, collecting all three of her RBI in the second contest, hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning, towing along Raegan Sparks and Sydney Love-Baker, to take a 3-2 lead in the late game.
But the Redhawks scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to take the 4-3 advantage as Addison Barnouski went yard to put SEMO back on top.
Kayla Hughes took the loss, falling to 3-5 on the season, as she allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings of work.
Her counterpart, Haley Thogmartin, yielded seven hits in 5 1/3 innings, including two to Cruse and Callen Griffin. Love-Baker, Sparks and Alyssa Herlocker also picked up base hits. Rachel Rook picked up the win, throwing the final inning and two-thirds and was the pitcher of record when the Redhawks retook the lead.
In the first game, SEMO hurler Madeline Krumrey held the Golden Eagles to four hits in the complete-game effort. Cruse, Taylor Thomas, Griffin and Gabby LaSala each picked up hits.
Leigh Ellen Thomas took the loss, allowing five runs on nine hits, walking two and striking out nine.
Photo by Thomas Corhern