Gates hits homer as Tech falls to Eagles
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech softball team dug itself
into a hole early and was unable to come back as they fell to
Morehead State 4-1 on Sunday. Sophomore Kaleigh Gates scored the
only Golden Eagle run of the game, a solo home run to center
field.
Morehead (21-14,5-7 OVC) opened the game by scoring three runs in
the first inning. With runners on first and second, Kayla Brill
singled to left field, giving Sam Woodall a chance to score from
second. The throw to the plate skipped past sophomore Callie
Schmidt, but was recovered in time to hold Woodall at third.
Schmidt's pickoff attempt to third sailed into left field,
advancing all three runners and gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead. A
single by Bethany Ellis drove in the other two runners, making the
score 3-0.
That score held until the third when Morehead hit three consecutive
singles, scoring Becca Butler to increase the lead to 4-0. Freshman
pitcher Holly Thomas was able to get out of the jam with no more
damage done, stranding two Eagles on base.
Senior Kristina Hortert came in to pitch in the fifth, but got into
a difficult situation when three more singles by the Eagles loaded
the bases. Hortert got out of the inning, striking out two Morehead
batters looking.
In the bottom of the fifth, Gates tried to spark a rally, hitting
her fourth home run of the season. After a pair of strikeouts and a
walk, freshman Jordan Leff stepped up with a single to the left
side, putting runners on first and second with two outs. Tech was
unable to convert, however, leaving seven runners on base in the
game.
Tech (20-20,8-3 OVC) had one more chance with two outs in the
bottom of the seventh. Freshman Cassidy Skeen singled to right
field and Leff reached on an error by pitcher Alex Gjevre.
Sophomore Lacie Coquerille hit a bouncer to the shortstop who
bobbled it, but was able to get to third base in time to get Skeen
out on the force.
Thomas (9-9) took the loss, allowing four runs and seven hits while
striking out four. Hortert (0-1), who has not allowed an earned run
in her last five innings pitched, struck out two and gave up three
hits.
Gjevre (15-7), the 2008 OVC Pitcher of the Year, allowed only four
hits and struck out nine Golden Eagles.
The Golden Eagles will host Tennessee State for an OVC doubleheader
on Wednesday, April 8th. The first pitch is slated for 2 p.m. and
admission is free.
