MARTIN, Tenn. --An outstanding offensive output was not enough for Morehead State on Sunday. The Eagles plated five runs, but could not hold the UT Martin Skyhawks at bay, and were bested 8-5.
Senior Joe Rotkis (5-1) came out of the bullpen for Morehead State (26-16, 10-5) and took the loss. Freshman Riley Bradshaw was a bright spot for the Eagles, coming out of the bullpen as well and throwing two shutout innings, allowing one hit.
At the plate, the Eagles were paced by Nick Gooden, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a walk and two RBI. Junior Colton Becker put together a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Carter Owens also helped out for Morehead State, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding a triple.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Eagles got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Ryley Preece came across to score the lone run of the inning for Morehead State and get them on the board thanks to a sac fly from Roman Kuntz.
The Skyhawks then rallied to score five runs and take a 5-1 lead before the Eagles got back on the board in the third. Morehead State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of senior Chase Vinson, which tightened the Skyhawks lead to 5-2.
Morehead State kept the Skyhawks off the board before rallying to even it up at five in the seventh. The Eagles recorded three runs in the frame, two of them coming across on a two-run single off the bat of Gooden. UT Martin then scored three times over the remaining two innings to break the tie and grab the 8-5 win.
GAME NOTES
» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed three runs across.
» Morehead State went 4-for-8 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 38 UT Martin hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out three.
» Gooden led the Eagles at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Morehead State returns home this week, as a season-long, five-game homestand awaits the Eagles. The action begins on Tuesday, as the University of the Cumberlands comes to Allen Field.
