Softball Edged 1-0 at EIU

Friday, March 29

Charleston, Ill.

4 p.m.

Murray State

12-16, 5-2

Eastern Illinois

17-9, 7-1

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Murray St.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
Eastern Ill.	0	0	0	0	0	1	X	1	6	0

Photo by: Murray State Sports Information

3/29/2013 5:21:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

| Box Score (PDF) | Season Stats (PDF)

The Murray State softball team saw its five-game OVC win-streak come to an end on Friday in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss at Eastern Illinois. Despite the loss, the Racers can still take over the lead in the conference standings from the Panthers, if they sweep Saturday's doubleheader.

Pitchers Shelby Kosmecki of Murray State (12-16, 5-2) and Hanna Mennenga of Eastern Illinois (17-9, 7-1) took center stage in the contest in what became a pitcher's duel and a defensive struggle. Kosmecki (5-11) allowed just six hits and three walks on the day with eight strikeouts, while Mennenga allowed three hits and two walks with 11 strikeouts, with both hurlers turning in complete game efforts.

While each team had its share of chances, the two teams combined to leave 14 runners on base, neither team was able to push runners across the plate. The game remained a scoreless tie until the bottom of the sixth when Kosmecki found herself in a bit of a jam.

Brooke Owens led off the inning for the Panthers with a single, while Ashleigh Westover followed two batters later with a single of her own. With runners at the corners and no outs, pinch hitter Haylee Beck hit a bouncer up the middle that looked like it was headed for the outfield. However, Murray State shortstop Alexa Becker dove to prevent the ball from going any further, but was unable to make the play at second, allowing Owens to score the only run of the game.

In the seventh, Sarah Anderson drew her second walk of the day with one out to give her team a chance to tie the game. However, neither batter that followed was able to advance Anderson, allowing the Panthers to hold on for the 1-0 win.

Alexa Becker moved her team-high batting average from .329 to .341 in the contest by finishing her day at 2-for-3. Mo Ramsey tallied the only other hit in the game, when she beat out the throw to first on a bunt that led off the top of the sixth inning.

On Saturday, the Racers and Panthers will close out their three-game set at Williams Field with a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is scheduled for Noon, with game two scheduled for approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the opener.