Adam Redfern
Staff writer
aredfern@murraystate.edu
Racer Softball dropped out of first place in the OVC for the first time this season after losing two games against Jacksonville State.
The first game was all Gamecocks, as senior pitcher Faith Sims pitched a two-hitter with eight strikeouts against the Racers.
Freshman pitcher Hannah James also pitched an impressive game with only five hits and five strikeouts.
However, two singles and a walk by James loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth. Senior utility player Amber Jones capitalized on the runners in scoring position and hit a two-RBI single to score the only runs of the game.
The second game saw more runs from both teams, but the Gamecocks still came out on top 9-4.
Murray State struck first when senior Lillie Goetz scored one with an RBI single in the top of the first, and freshman utility player Abby Shoulders got walked to add another.
Goetz added another run in the top of the second with a triple to score senior infielder Brenna Finck to take the game to 3-0.
After this quick strike from the Racers, Jacksonville State began to pile on runs when Jones scored one with an RBI single in the bottom of the second.
A sacrifice fly from senior infielder Anna Chisolm brought the Racers’ lead to 3-2.
Jacksonville State took the lead in the bottom of the fourth when a fielder’s choice scored one and senior outfielder Taylor Beshears added two more with a two-RBI single.
Murray State earned their last run when an error scored sophomore infielder Sierra Gilmore making the game 4-5.
The Gamecocks put the nail in the coffin in the bottom of the fifth and sixth when they added the four runs to win the series and secure first place in the OVC.
The Racers will be back in action 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Racer Field against Northern Kentucky University.