Racers Set For First Home Games in 685 Days

Dates: March 13^th (1 PM), March 14^th (1PM/3 PM)
Site (Venue): Murray, Ky. (Racer Field)
Live Video: ESPN+ (Saturday)
Live Stats: goracers.com/coverage
MSU Record (Streak): 5-12, 2-1 OVC (Won 2)
Racers All-Time vs. Eastern Kentucky: 13-13 (Lost 1)
EKU Record (Streak): 11-3, 3-0 OVC (Won 6)
MSU Next Game: March 17^th vs. Memphis
MSU Next Home Game: Same

Murray State softball is set to play its first home game in 685 days on Saturday evening when they host Eastern Kentucky in the first of a three-game weekend series at Racer Field. Going without a single home contest in 2020 due to the pandemic-shortened season, the last Racer home game was on April 28, 2019 when the Racers swept their final home series of the season against Morehead State. This Saturday's game will be streamed live on ESPN+, while all games will have live stats coverage via goracers.com. Saturday's first pitch is set for 5:00 p.m.

All-Time Series:

The Racers and Colonels have met 26 times prior to this weekend's contests, with the all-time series tied at 13 wins apiece for both sides. EKU has won four of the last five meetings overall, but Murray State has prevailed in four of the last five meetings at Racer Field.

A Look at the Racers:
The Racers got the bats going in their first OVC series of the year a week ago at UT Martin, posting 17 runs over the three-game set while taking two of three on the weekend. Logan Braundmeier, Lindsey Carroll, and Sierra Gilmore each collected four hits in the series, while Braundmeier blasted her second home run of the campaign as the Racers reached base at a .375 clip as a team in the series.

In the circle, Taylor Makowsky highlighted the weekend by earning the win in her first start of the year, tossing six and two-thirds scoreless innings while striking out three in the Racers' 3-0 win on Saturday.

On the season, sophomore Lily Fischer continues to swing a hot bat, as the sophomore from Marysville, Washington leads the Racers in batting average (.311), doubles (5), and on-base percentage (.380). Gilmore has driven in a team-high seven runs on the year, while her and Braundmeier each have two home runs thus far. Jensen Striegel has also collected a team-leading five stolen bases entering the weekend.

In the circle, Hannah James leads the way with three wins behind a 2.48 ERA and 58 strikeouts through 53.2 innings pitched. She's holding opposing hitters to a .195 average at the dish.

Scouting Eastern Kentucky:
The Colonels enter the series at 11-3 overall and 3-0 in the OVC after sweeping SIUE and then defeating Chattanooga 10-0 in a midweek battle in their most recent outings. Riding a six-game winnings streak, Carly Robinson leads the offensive charge for EKU with a team-high .450 batting average, three home runs and 12 RBIs. Sammi Miller's three triples also ranks fifth in the country. As a team, the Colonels are averaging 5.71 runs per contest.

In the circle, Samantha Reynoso has impressed thus far as she is a perfect 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA and 32 strikeouts through 25 innings on the year.

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Players Mentioned

Logan Braundmeier

Lindsey Carroll

Lily Fischer

Sierra Gilmore

Hannah James

Taylor Makowsky

Jensen Striegel

Murray State University Athletics