By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech softball team honored its seniors on Saturday, but it turned out to be a tough day for the Golden Eagles as Murray State, still looking to unseat Belmont from the top spot in the Ohio Valley Conference, took two from Tech on Saturday.
The Racers (34-14-1, 18-6 OVC) won game one 7-3 behind OVC Pitcher of the Year contender Hannah James, but it was a close game for most of the contest with Murray not collecting its first hit until the fifth inning.
However, they scored two runs before that point. Taking advantage of eight walks and six hit batter calls, the Racers claimed a bases-loaded walk to Lindsey Carroll in the opening frame, then scored in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Gracie Osbron to plate Logan Braundmeier.
Pinch hitter Victoria Garland made it a 3-0 game with an RBI single to center field to score Brea Croslin.
Tech dented the scoreboard for the first time in the bottom of the fifth. After Mackenzie Fitzgerald reached on a fielder's choice as the Racers took out Brooklin Richardson at second, the Tech second baseman advanced to second on a passed ball, then Carmen Betts hit a single to right to drive her in.
Murray State added two runs in the sixth as Isabella Wilson hit a two-run single to left center. In the bottom of the sixth, Sydney Dukes took a four-pitch walk, then Sydney Love-Baker went yard, knocking a home run to center field to make it a 5-3 game. The Racers then got two more runs in the seventh with back-to-back triples for Osbron and Lily Fischer, followed by a sacrifice fly for Carroll.
Arden took the loss, working 5 1/3 innings as she allowed five runs – three earned – on three hits, striking out six. Tyler Erwin pitched the final inning and two-thirds, allowing two runs on three hits. James went the distance for her 17th win, allowing three runs – two earned – on three hits, walking three and striking out two.
The Racers struck quick in the second game, scoring in the first inning as Sierra Gilmore hit an RBI single up the middle, then Fischer drove her in on a sacrifice fly to center field. One swing of the bat made it a 5-0 in the second as Braundmeier hit a three-run home run in the second.
Tech led off the third inning with a solo home run for Shelby Penning, the lone run for the Golden Eagles in the frame.
In the top of the fifth, the Racers loaded the bases and Carroll was hit by a pitch, sending Gilmore home to score. Taylor Jackson delivered the final blow, sending the 2-1 pitch over the wall for a grand slam and forcing the run rule as Tech was retired in the bottom half of the inning.
Kamryn Carcich pitched the first two innings for Murray State, allowing one run on one hit, walking two. Jenna Veber was credited with the victory, yielding just one hit while striking out one.
Haeli Bryson took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits, walking one in two innings of work. Callie Piper pitched the next two frames, allowing five runs – four earned – on four hits with one walk. Gracelyn Woollen pitched the final inning, allowing two hits and holding the Racers scoreless.
The series is scheduled to conclude on Sunday at 1 p.m., weather permitting. Updates can be found at TTUsports.com and on the team's social media channels when available.
