Racers Secure Series Over Evansville In Comeback Victory

Saturday, March 23

Evansville, Ind.

2 p.m.

Murray State

16-6, 2-0

Evansville

9-13, 0-2

Murray State

Univ. of Evansville

Photo by: David Eaton-Murray State Athletics

Racers Secure Series Over Evansville In Comeback Victory

3/23/2024 6:22:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Murray State scored all seven runs in the final three innings after trailing by four.

By: Drew Parsley

The Racers won their conference-opening series with a win on Saturday over the Evansville Purple Aces, 7-6, at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville, Indiana.

The Aces jumped to an early 3-0 lead after scoring two in the first on a bases-loaded walk and an RBI groundout followed by an RBI base hit in the second. Evansville tacked on one more in the fifth on another RBI single to give them their largest lead of the game.

Murray State was held without a run through the first six innings before exploding for a four-run seventh to tie the game. Taylor Howell and Dan Tauken started the rally for the Racers with an RBI double followed by an RBI single. Preston Shelton made it a one-run game with an RBI groundout and Parker Estes scored the tying run off a wild pitch to cap the inning.

The Aces retook the lead in the eighth after roping an RBI double followed by an RBI single. With the Racers now trailing by two, John Orberson entered the game as a pinch hitter and delivered an RBI double down the left field line to start Murray State's comeback effort.

Down to the last strike, Drew Vogel made the biggest base hit of the day over the shortstop's glove to bring in pinch runner Gunnar Bingham and tie the game. Dustin Mercer then stepped up and delivered a base hit through the left side to score Vogel for the go-ahead run.

Nathan Holler made his fourth save of the year, closing the door on the Aces in the ninth after allowing just one walk and fanning one. Ethan Lyke and Alex Elsing each recorded four strikeouts out of the bullpen, allowing just two earned runs between the two relievers.

Allen Roulette earned his third win of the season after tossing just 1/3 inning and keeping the Aces from extending their lead in the eighth.

Vogel recorded his team-leading 12th multi-hit game of the year and Howell picked up his second three-hit day of the season. Seven different Racers contributed to the scoring efforts in Saturday's win.

Murray State aims to take the sweep to start conference play on Sunday, March 24 at 1 p.m. CT in Evansville.

For more information on the Murray State baseball program, visit GoRacers.com or @RacersBaseball on Instagram and X.