UE hits four home runs in series opened
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With two outs and two runners on base in the bottom of the 7thinning, Jenna Nink launched a walk-off 3-run home run to give the University of Evansville softball team a 6-5 win over Missouri State at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.
Nink’s home run was the fourth of the game for the Purple Aces, who continued to battle throughout the game. Alexa Davis, Marah Wood and Niki Bode also hit homers in the win. Nink finished the night going 2-4 with three RBI and a run while Hannah Hood was 2-2 with a walk. Sydney Weatherford had another strong start, giving up five runs, three earned, in 6 2/3 innings. Megan Brenton recorded the final out in the top of the 7th and was credited with the win.
Missouri State took an early lead as a 2-run home run by Annie Mueller in the top of the first put the Bears in front. In the top of the fourth, a solo shot by Kenzie Derryberry made it a 3-0 game.
UE drew a pair of walks in the opening three frames before notching its first hit in the bottom half of the fourth. Jenna Nink singled through the left side before a bloop single by Hannah Hood put two runners on with one out. MSU starter Gracie Johnson picked up the final two outs to keep UE off the board.
Lacy Smith made a stellar defensive play in the top of the fifth, securing a catch against the outfield wall to keep a sure run from scoring. That work paid off as the offense came through in the bottom of the inning. Alexa Davis picked up a solo home run to get her squad on the board.
Back-to-back solo shots by Marah Wood and Niki Bode in the bottom of the 6th tied the game heading into the 7th. Missouri State rallied back with two scores to retake a 5-3 lead in the top half of the 7th, but UE staged a 2-out rally in the bottom of the frame. Brooke Voss drew a walk before Jess Willsey singled to right. That brought Nink to the plate and she came through with her second long ball of the season to secure the win.
On Saturday, the squads meet up at 2 p.m.
