Tech falls at home to Western Kentucky
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. --The Tennessee Tech softball team suffered
its first shutout in two weeks and its second straight loss on
Wednesday, falling to the Lady Toppers of Western Kentucky,
3-0.
Sophomore Maddie Schmissrauter got the starting nod for the Golden
Eagles (19-18, 7-1 OVC), not allowing a hit through the first three
innings. In the fourth, however, Lindsay Antone led off the frame
with a double to right-center, which was followed up by a triple by
Sam Cronk, putting the Lady Toppers (18-11) up 1-0.
With two outs in the fifth, Tech threatened when freshman Jordan
Leff singled through the left side and stole second, just Tech's
second stolen base of the year. However, strong Western Kentucky
defense was able to strand Leff and keep the Golden Eagles
scoreless.
Senior Kristina Hortert came in to pitch for Tech in the sixth,
keeping the Lady Toppers hitless throughout the final two innings.
Brooke Reed led off the sixth, reaching on an error by sophomore
Lacie Coquerille. After a hit batter and a walk, another error by
Coquerille allowed two unearned runs to score, putting WKU up
3-0.
Tech's final opportunity came in the bottom of the seventh. After
sophomore Callie Schmidt singled down the left field line.
Sophomore Kaleigh Gates ripped the first pitch she saw to the
deepest part of the park, but it ended up as an out in the glove of
Jamie Hennis, standing an arm's length from the fence.
Schmissrauter (10-9) got the loss, allowing just two hits and
striking out four in her five innings on the hill.
Sophomore Katie Betry went 1-3 and reached on an error as Tech
stranded all six base runners. Schmidt, Coquerille, and Leff each
went 1-3 also.
Ryan Rogge (14-5) took the win for Western Kentucky, striking out
seven batters and walking just one in her complete-game outing.
The Golden Eagles get a day of rest before hosting Morehead State
in a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader Saturday at 1
p.m.
