A strong outing for MSU pitcher Alex Gjevre gave the Eagles the
opportunity to come back late in the game. Gjevre struck out ten
and gave up seven hits, but did not take home a decision after
being pulled in the sixth.
Tech (20-27,7-11 OVC) was able to get two runners on in the first,
but couldn't get any across the plate as Gjevre struck out the side
and five of the first six batters she faced.
Morehead State (25-17,14-4 OVC) jumped on top in the third, scoring
three runs with the help of a Golden Eagle error and a double to
right field.
Tech answered in the top of the fourth after three singles loaded
the bases with no outs. Freshman Samantha Everett then singled up
the middle to score sophomore Jessica Steele from third and leave
the bags full. Back-to-back walks by junior Abbey Hayes and
freshman Brittany Spalding tied the game at 3-3, but three were
left on base as Gjevre struck out two to get out of the jam.
In the top of the fifth, sophomore Whitney Cummings belted her
team-leading ninth home run over the left field wall to give Tech a
4-3 advantage.
The Eagles responded in the bottom of the frame when two walks and
a two-out single tied the game at 4-4.
In the sixth, freshman Claudia Harke entered the game in relief of
junior Maddie Schmissrauter, but gave up a one-out double to the
second batter she faced. Cummings then came in to pitch and gave up
an RBI triple to right field, putting MSU up by one and a sacrifice
bunt allowed the final run to cross, etching the score at 6-4.
Schmissrauter pitched five innings, allowing four runs and two
walks while striking out three. Harke took the loss, making her
record 2-6.
Sarah Funston got credit for the win, pitching two shutout innings
and giving up just two hits.
Due to weather, game two began, but was suspend and is set to
resume at 11 a.m. CST on Sunday with the third game to follow.
In the bottom of the second, Morehead State has runners on first
and second with no outs and the game is scoreless.