Softball rallies for split with Toledo

GAME 1 - BOX SCORE | BOX SCORE (PDF) | GAME 2 - BOX SCORE | BOX SCORE (PDF)

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- After dropping the opener 3-2 in extra innings, the Morehead State softball team got a solo homer from junior Karly Thompson and a three-hit shutout by freshman pitcher Allison Rager to win 2-0 in game two against visiting Toledo Wednesday at University Field.

The Eagles stay above .500 at 10-9, while the Rockets settle at 5-20.

"There is no question that was the best back-to-back pitching performances we've had all year," said Head Coach David Williams. "We just didn't get enough out of our offense to support (sophomore pitcher) Mackenzie (Grossmann) in game one."

Rager (5-2) struck out five and only scattered three hits in a complete-game effort in the nightcap.

The Eagles broke up a scoreless stalemate and a no-hitter for the Rocket pitcher in the fifth when Thompson led off and connected on her team-leading fifth round-tripper of the season to center field. Later in the frame, with the bases loaded, junior centerfielder Kayla McGuffey singled to center and drove in Rager.

The Eagles managed just four hits off two Toledo pitchers. Heather Webb (0-5), the Toledo starter, absorbed the loss.

In the opener, Grossmann (3-4) tossed the first complete game for MSU in 2016, going all eight innings and striking out seven. The Eagles fell behind 2-0 after four innings. MSU had several opportunities, but virtually ran itself out of many chances, including two pickoffs, a rundown with a baserunner in between second and third and an inning-ending double play with runners on first and third.

Thompson provided the run-scoring power with a two-run single to right center in the sixth. Catcher Robyn Leighton registered two of the Eagles' eight hits.

"Karly Thompson was clutch in both games for us," said Williams. "Normal offensive prodution for us has been a lot better, so we really need to concentrate better this coming weekend on getting run support for our pitchers."

Marla Gooding (5-9) was credited with the victory, tossing a complete game and striking out three.

MSU heads back into conference play this weekend at Belmont. First pitch in the three-game series is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.