Montoya Homers but Softball Can't Keep Up with SEMO in Game 1, Falling 10-1

GAME 1 | Southeast Missouri State 10, Morehead State 1

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Junior Darlene Montoya went 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI for the Morehead State Eagles in a 10-1 loss to the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks on Sunday. It was SEMO's first trip to MSU in six years.

Sophomore Jessie Begley (5-6) started and took the loss in the circle for Morehead State (10-19, 4-12).

In the batter's box, the Eagles were led by Montoya, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Senior Peyton Jordan furnished a noteworthy effort as well, going 1-for-3 with a double.

SEMO built a 3-0 lead after scoring in in the first and two in the third, but the Eagles closed the gap with Montoya's second home run of the season when her shot cleared the wall in right-center field.

MSU had a chance to cut further into the lead in the bottom of the sixth with one out as Kaytlyn Cripps singled, Ilencia Lightbody singled and then stole a base and Montoya was hit by a pitch, However, the threat ended after Peyton Jordan's shot into deep center field was caught.

The Redhawks' lead exploded in the top of the seventh with seven runs off just one hit, one error, three walks and a hit by pitch. PInch hitter Gracie Luna had a grand slam to cap off the scoring.

Southeast Missouri finished with 10 runs on eight hits with one error and seven runners left on base. Morehead State had one run on six hits, with two errors and eight runners left on base.

Paytence Holman (9-8) picked up the win after throwing six innings, allowing one earned run and six hits, while striking out eight and walking one. Begley (5-6) pitched four innings, allowing six hits, five runs (all earned), while striking out three and walking two. Freshman Addie Stem pitched three innings in relief, surrendering five runs, four of which were eanred, on just two hits, with one strikeout and three walks. 

Sela Pickford, Kaytlyn Cripps, Ilenica Lightbody, Darlene Montoya, Taikibrea Campbell and Peyton Jordan each had a hit for the Blue and Gold.

Hear Morehead State coach Megan Griffith discuss the game on YouTube.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 3-0, the Eagles first put runs on the board in the fourth inning. Montoya put Morehead State on the board with a two-out solo home run off senior Paytience Holman. The Eagles were unable to get any closer, as Southeast Missouri State added seven runs to their tally on the way to a 10-1 final.

GAME NOTES

» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed one run across.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 38 Southeast Missouri State hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and six fly balls while striking out four.
» Montoya led the Eagles at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI.
» Southeast Missouri State was led offensively by freshman Gracie Luna, who went 1-for-1 with a home run and four RBI.
» Holman led the Redhawks pitching staff, throwing seven innings of one-run ball.

This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.