USI walks off in the seventh to earn series sweep over Tennessee Tech
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball finished off its first series sweep of the season in walk-off fashion on Saturday at USI Softball Field, capturing a 4-3 victory over Tennessee Tech University in Ohio Valley Conference play.
Following two scoreless frames to begin Saturday’s series finale, Tennessee Tech (10-23, 4-8 OVC) struck first with an unearned run in the top of the third inning to grab an early 1-0 advantage.
Southern Indiana (9-17, 6-5 OVC) broke through and jumped in front in the bottom of the fourth inning when sophomore outfielder Kate Satkoski doubled down the left-field line to drive in a pair of runs and give USI a 2-1 lead.
Tennessee Tech answered back with two runs in the top of the fifth to regain a one-run lead, 3-2. However, the Screaming Eagles responded with an unearned run in the home half of the fifth to knot the game up at three.
With the game still even at three, USI got their chance in the bottom of the seventh. After a one-out walk, single, and hit-by-pitch, freshman designated player Grace Huffman stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded. Huffman delivered by getting a ball airborne into deep left field, allowing sophomore infielder Sydney Long to score the game-winning run from third on a walk-off sac fly and completing the series sweep for the Screaming Eagles.
USI totaled seven hits at the plate Saturday. Freshman catcher Jordan Mackey, senior infielder Whitley Hunter, and Satkoski each recorded two hits in the game. Satkoski led Southern Indiana with the two RBIs.
In the pitching circle, senior pitcher Josie Newman (6-10) collected her second win and complete game of the series. Newman struck out eight and allowed three runs – two earned – in the seven innings of work.
Tennessee Tech, who had three hits offensively, had senior pitcher Payton Wagner make the start on Saturday. Wagner did not factor into the decision after starting the first 3.1 innings with two runs – one earned – given up. Junior pitcher Addison Abell (2-3) was charged with the loss after tossing the last 3.1 innings and also surrendering two runs – one earned – including the game-winning run.
The Screaming Eagles continue their homestand next weekend with a three-game set against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Ohio Valley Conference play. Next Saturday’s series opener is slated for 3 p.m. Sunday’s doubleheader is scheduled to begin at Noon. Next weekend’s series will be USI Softball Alumni Weekend and Cancer Awareness Weekend.
More information and coverage links can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com.
