Softball walks off in opener against CSU, downs Niagara

MSU 6, CSU 5 Box Score | Box Score (PDF) | MSU 4, Niagara 3 Box Score | Box Score (PDF)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Morehead State softball team scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, capped off by sophomore Laine Simmons' walk-off three-run home run, to down Cleveland State in their season opener, 6-5.

"It was a great team win to start the season. We had some timely hits and our defense played a solid game, which allowed us to have a chance to win at the end," said head coach David Williams.

The Eagles entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing 5-2, but did not go away quietly. After the first two runners reached, senior Lizzy Margagliotti delivered a one-out double to right center, scoring junior Karly Thompson and trimming the CSU lead to 5-3. Two batters later, Simmons delivered with a two-out, three-run pinch hit home run to centerfield.

Morehead State had three home runs in the victory as Thompson and sophomore Robyn Leighton both went deep in the fifth inning. Leighton was the lone player to finish with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-3.

"Anytime you have three home runs, you have a chance to win," said Williams.

Freshman pitcher Taylor Funk (1-0) picked up the win for MSU after allowing two hits and one earned run in 1.2 innings of work. She struck out one and allowed a solo home run.

In the second game, Morehead State scored two runs in the top of the seventh to down Niagara, 4-3. 

With one out in the seventh, Margagliotti singled in Abigail Rhodes to tie the game at 3-3. Margagliotti then did the rest of the damage on the base paths. She advanced to second on a wild pitch, then moved to third on a passed ball. She then scored on a wild pitch to take the lead.

In the bottom half of the inning sophomore Mackenzie Grossmann shut Niagara down in order to secure the win.

"Solid defense kept us in the game and we found a way to win in the end," said Williams. "We continue to get timely hits, we just need to string more together to score earlier and more often."

Grossman (1-0) picked up the win for the Eagles, pitching 4.2 hitless innings. She allowed three walks and struck out four.

The Eagles return to action tomorrow in the CSU Dome Invitational. They face Bowling Green at 9 a.m. and Robert Morris at 11:30 a.m.