James Fans 10 in Win Over Cardinals

Sunday, February 17

Madeira Beach, Fla.

10:30 a.m.

Murray State

4-6

Ball State

7-4

Ball State

Murray St.

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

2/17/2019 3:50:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

The Racers took on Ball State in their fifth and final game of the weekend on Sunday morning in Madeira Beach, Florida. With both teams held scoreless through the first two innings, Murray State found themselves in a difficult spot when Ball State loaded the bases with just one out in their half of the third. Hannah James was able to avert the danger for the Racers, shutting down the following two Cardinal batters and leaving the game scoreless heading into the Racer half of the third.

Brenna Finck got the momentum going in the third with her one out single to reach base for the Racers. With two outs in the inning, Madison Culver continued an outstanding weekend at the plate with an RBI single to score Finck and take a 1-0 lead to begin the fourth.

While the Racers would allow Ball State runners to reach the corners in the following inning, they were able to keep them off the scoreboard and maintain a one-run lead.

Skipping ahead to the Racer half of the fifth, a two out RBI single from Lillie Goetz scored Kristen Bialek who came on to pinch run for Denise Teague whose single began the inning.

To answer, Ball State would put up their lone run of the ballgame in the sixth after Hailey Demnianiuk scored on a play that ultimately resulted in the final out of the inning after Kim Manuel was put out on the base paths following the run.

Holding a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth, the Racers would give themselves some breathing room after Brenna Finck and Jensen Striegel both drew bases loaded walks to drive in a pair of Racer runs. With the bases still full, Lillie Goetz stepped to the plate and capitalized on the scoring opportunity with an RBI single to right, giving the Racers a 5-1 advantage heading into the seventh.

With Ball State needing four runs to keep the game alive, Hannah James made quick work of the Cardinals, striking out the side and closing the door on the opposition. The Racers would end the weekend in Madeira Beach with a 5-1 victory to cap off a tremendous 4-1 weekend.

Leading the way at the plate for MSU were Lillie Goetz (2-3, 2 RBI) and Sierra Gilmore (2-3, R, 2B) with two hits apiece. Hannah James earned the win for the Racers, tossing a complete game and allowing just a single earned run while becoming just the fifth Racer pitcher to record 10 strikeouts in a game.

The Racers will return to action on Friday, February 22 at the NC State Fairfield Inn & Suites Crabtree Invitational in Raleigh, North Carolina.