Rager throws a gem as softball splits with UTM

UTM 4, MOR 1 - Box Score | Box Score (PDF)  MOR 4, UTM 0 - Box Score | Box Score (PDF)

MOREHEAD, Ky. – Freshman Allison Rager threw a shutout as Morehead State softball split a doubleheader with UT Martin on Saturday afternoon at University Field.

The Eagles pull within one game of the .500 mark in OVC play at 8-9 and even up their overall record at 21-21. The Shyhawks (27-19, 11-8) had their five-game winning streak snapped.

"We showed a lot of resiliency today," said head coach David Williams. "We out-hit them in game one, but things didn't go our way. In game two, we had a solid performance by Allison Rager, plus a solid defensive effort behind her."

Rager threw her third shutout of the season and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. The victory improved her record to 11-5 on the year.

"She was solid today and has been doing it all year," said Williams. "She managed the game and was able to get some key outs for us."

Freshman third baseman Ellen Barrett hit an opposite field home run giving the Eagles an early 1-0 lead. Barret finished the game going 2-3 from the plate.

With the Shyhawks still in striking distance for a comeback, the Morehead State offense struck again in the bottom of the sixth by adding to its lead with three runs.

Junior shortstop Karly Thompson knocked in sophomore Abigal Rhodes with a double down the left field line. With Thompson sitting at second and sophomore Robynn Leighton waiting at third, sophomore second baseman Hannah Murphy connected for a run-scoring single, to make the lead 3-0. After the single by Murphy, Thompson advanced to third and would later score off a sacrifice fly from senior left fielder Lizzy Margagliotti.

Rager allowed a hit in the seventh but shut the door on the Skyhawks for the win.

Morehead State will welcome in Southeast Missouri for a doubleheader at University Field on Sunday at noon ET.

In game one, UT Martin got two runs in the second and the fourth innings as the Eagles fell, 4-1.

The Skyhawks took advantage of four walks by Mackenzie Grossmann in the second inning to score two runs. They then added two unearned runs in the fourth inning following an error by shortstop Karly Thompson.

Morehead State had runners on second and third with one out in both the second and the fourth innings, but could not come up with the big hit. They scored their lone run in the sixth after sophomore Robyn Leighton tripled to open the inning and then scored on a sacrifice fly from Thompson.

Grossmann (7-13) picked up the loss for the Eagles after allowing three hits and four runs, just two of which were earned, in seven innings. She walked seven and struck out three.

Brooke Kennedy (15-8) recorded the win. She also went the distance, allowing six hits and one run while walking three and striking out eight.

Leighton the way offensively as she went 3-for-3 with a triple and a run.

Morehead State will welcome in Southeast Missouri for a doubleheader at University Field on Sunday at noon ET.