Story by Blake Bernier, Staff writer
Freshman Leah Kesel scores one of 12 Racer runs during doubleheader Sept. 20.
The Murray State softball team swept Kentucky Wesleyan College in its doubleheader on Sunday with two shutout victories, 5-0 and 7-0.
The Racers were error free through the two games, a change from the five errors they committed in the first two games. Head Coach Kara Amundson said a good recipe for success is for the pitchers to attack the strike zone and trust the defense behind them to make plays.
“The championship teams are always making the routine plays and that was one of our focuses today,” Amundson said. “If you make the routine plays every time then the great plays will come.”
One of the defensive highlights came from a ball hit deep in the hole at shortstop. Junior Maggie Glass made a backhanded stop and threw the runner out by a full step.
“Maggie has a cannon,” Amundson said. “She is a special player and we are excited to see what she can do the next two years.”
Glass played third base her first two years at Murray State but this year she is being asked to make the transition to shortstop.
“At third base it’s all about reaction time,” Glass said. “But at shortstop it’s more about reading the hops and that’s been difficult but overall the position change has been easy.”
Another challenge Glass faces in making the move to shortstop is the defensive assignments on every play. Often referred to as the captain of the infield, the shortstop is constantly on the move covering bases, cutting off throws from the outfield, backing up throws from the catcher to second and covering their own area of the infield.
Every pitcher on the roster made an appearance during the doubleheader. Sophomore Haven Campbell and senior J.J. Francis combined for the shutout in game one.
The duo allowed five hits and struck out five batters. In game two, freshman Amber Van Duyse and junior Mason Robinson combined for the shutout allowing two hits and striking out four batters.
During the fourth inning, the Panthers loaded the bases with two outs. Campbell, now in her second years induced a ground ball to first to escape the inning.
On offense the Racers had extra base hits from multiple players, including a triple and a homerun from Glass. Glass led the team on the day with five RBIs.
Glass’ homerun came in the first game and during the at bat Amundson gave her some words of advice that paid off.
“I was swinging really big and Coach K just told me to shorten up, so I worked on getting my hands through the ball,” Glass said.
It was her second homerun of the fall season. Last year Glass finished second in the OVC with 16 homeruns.
Every player on the roster played during the doubleheader as Amundson continues to evaluate the players and put them into game situations.
The Racers next game is at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Racer Field as they take on Dyersberg State Community College.