Lambert’s Grand Slam Helps Softball Earn Split

Aces And Shockers To Decide Series On Sunday

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Morgan Lambert hit a game-tying grand slam before Hayli Scott knocked in the go-ahead run as the University of Evansville softball team split Saturday’s Missouri Valley Conference doubleheader against Wichita State.

“We showed great fight today, we had some long at-bats where we worked the pitch count and got what we wanted,” UE head coach Mat Mundell said. “I am proud of how we played today. We had our chances in the first game, but were able to convert on those opportunities in the second.”

Wichita State (21-15, 7-4 MVC) took game one by a 2-1 final before the Purple Aces (15-19, 3-8 MVC) clinched the second game, 5-4.

Four scoreless innings opened up play in game one before the Shockers saw two runs cross the plate in the top of the fifth. With two outs, Brittany Fortner and Liz Broyles each had RBI singles.

Evansville got its first two runners on in the sixth inning, but was unable to convert. The Aces had that chance once again in the bottom of the seventh. Susan Norris drew a walk to lead off the inning before Hayli Scott doubled to right to put runners on second and third to begin the frame.

Morgan Lambert brought in the first run with a sacrifice fly to center, but the Shockers were able to get out of the jam and clinch the 1-0 win. The Aces finished with four hits. Courtney Land and Susan Norris each recorded a hit and a walk. Jenni Brooks took the win for the Shockers, going six innings giving up one run on three hits. Morgan Florey went the distance, allowing just two runs on five hits.

After a pitcher’s duel in the opening game, Wichita State got on the board fast in game two. Five singles in a row in the top of the first inning saw them take a 2-0 lead. They struck again in the top of the fourth as Paige Luellen hit a home run to right-center to make it a 4-0 game.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Aces were able to get the first two runners on base. Courtney Land hit a single before Morgan Florey drew a walk. Between the two, they forced WSU starter Katie Malone to throw over 20 pitches. The Aces were able to load the bases up with two outs for first baseman Morgan Lambert, who took the first pitch from Malone over the right-center for a grand slam that tied the game up at 4-4.

It remained that way until the bottom of the 6th when Susan Norris drew a leadoff walk. Ashlee Kawall came in to pinch run and scored as Hayli Scott doubled to center. That was the game-winner as Florey earned her fourth save of the year, closing the door in the top of the seventh. Emily Lockhart earned the win, throwing two scoreless frames.

The Shockers outhit the Aces, 10-5, in game two, but Evansville’s timely hitting was the difference. On Sunday, the squads will settle the series with a noon game.

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