USI drops series opener at Morehead State
MOREHEAD, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Softball dropped its series opener at Morehead State University Friday afternoon, 9-0 in five innings, to begin a road series in Ohio Valley Conference play.
Following two and a half scoreless innings on Friday, Morehead State (2-25, 1-6 OVC) quickly took hold of momentum and exploded for a big frame in the bottom of the third inning. The home Eagles tallied nine runs on nine hits in the inning, including a three-run home run.
Trailing 9-0, Southern Indiana (5-16, 2-4 OVC) sought to respond in the top of the fourth. Freshman catcher Jordan Mackey led off with a double, and after a walk, senior third baseman Whitley Hunter singled to load the bases. However, a double play and a strikeout ended the USI threat, and Morehead State went on to close out the game in five innings.
Junior outfielder Caroline Stapleton had two of USI’s four hits in the game. Senior pitcher Josie Newman (3-10) tossed four innings and struck out five in the start.
Morehead State totaled 12 hits with every player in the batting order recording at least one hit. Junior pitcher Rylie Burney (1-12) picked up her first win of the season in the five-inning shutout.
Southern Indiana and Morehead State conclude the series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 11 a.m. CT. The twin bill can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on The Spin 95.7 FM. Additional coverage can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com.
