Schmissrauter shuts out Murray State, Tech wins 4-0
After an hour and a half rain delay, the Golden Eagles took advantage of a couple of Racer miscues and a strong outing by junior pitcher Maddie Schmissrauter to top the Racers in OVC action.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Tech softball team held on to beat the Murray State Racers Saturday in the third game of the Ohio Valley Conference series, winning by the score of 4-0.
Junior Maddie Schmissrauter (in photo) struck out five in her complete-game shutout, evening her record at 6-6 on the year. She hurled 63 of her 103 pitches for strikes and walked just three.
The Golden Eagles (14-21, 4-6 OVC) began the scoring in the second when a Racer error left runners on first and second with no outs. A pair of Tech groundouts then drove in sophomore Erin Cutlip, putting Tech up 1-0.
The Golden Eagles extended their lead over Murray State (9-18, 4-5 OVC) in the third. Freshman Melody Christian led off the inning with a single then stole second base. She came around to score on a double by junior Anna Zdroik. After a mid-at-bat pitching change, junior Callie Schmidt doubled to left center, scoring Zdroik from second and putting the Golden Eagles in front, 3-1.
In the fourth, a leadoff walk and passed ball set up Christian who reached on a Murray State error, scoring freshman Lindsey Umberger from third.
After stranding two in the fifth, Murray State led off the sixth with back-to-back singles and a stolen base, putting runners on second and third. Both were left on base, however, as Schmissrauter struck out two to end the inning.
Christian and Zdroik were each 1-for-3 on the day, each with a run scored. Christian also stole two bases, giving her a team-high six for the season.
Schmidt and sophomore Whitney Cummings each hit 1-for-3 in the game.
Starr Gilley took the loss for Murray State, allowing three runs on four hits in 2 1/3 innings of work.
The Golden Eagles face Kennesaw State on Wednesday in Chattanooga before returning home to host UT-Martin on next Saturday and Sunday (April 10-11). First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. each day and admission is free to the public.
