Barrett records two hits as Eagles fall to EKU, 5-2

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MOREHEAD, Ky. - Freshman Ellen Barrett went 2-for-3 with two runs batted in, but the Eagles couldn't come up with enough clutch hits as they fell 5-2 to Eastern Kentucky at University Field on Sunday afternoon.

With the loss, the Eagles fall in all three games of the series and their record moves to 17-16 on the year and 6-4 in OVC play. EKU improves to 26-6 and 10-0 in conference.

The Colonels got on the board first with two runs in the top of the second inning. They scored the first run on an RBI single with nobody out and then scored an unearned run on an error by shortstop Karly Thompson. 

After EKU added a run in the top of the fourth, the Eagles got on the board in the bottom of the fifth. Barrett delivered a two-out bases loaded single, scoring Aubrey Bennett, but Kayla McGuffey was thrown out at home after attempting to score from second base.

Eastern Kentucky then scored single runs in the sixth and the seventh innings to build a 5-1 lead as the Eagles went into the bottom of the seventh.

With one out in the seventh, the Eagles connected on three straight singles to trim the lead to 5-2. But, with runners on first and third and just one out, Robyn Leighton popped up and Thompson struck out to end the game. 

The Eagles managed seven hits and had chances to score multiple runs in the second, fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but couldn't scratch together enough hits to put up a crooked number. All seven hits were singles and Bennett was the lone Eagle to finish with a multi-hit game. She went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a hit-by-pitch.

Mackenzie Grossmann (6-9) picked up the loss as she allowed nine hits and five runs, just four of which were earned, in 6.2 innings of work. She walked three and struck out four.

Hayley Flynn (17-3) recorded the win for the Colonels. She went five innings and allowed just two hits and an earned run, while walking one and striking out nine. She left the game in the top of the fifth, but then returned in the seventh to record the final two outs. 

The Eagles return to action on Wednesday afternoon at Northern Kentucky. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2 p.m. ET.