KENNESAW, Ga. -- Freshman Sela Pickford racked up five RBI, but the Morehead State Eagles fell to the Northern Kentucky Norse 18-15 on Saturday. The 33 total runs tied its school record for most in a game. The Eagles defeated Lincoln Memorial at home on April 29, 1993, 31-2, which was the previous record. It was the 11th time in MSU history both teams scored in double figures.
Pickford (0-1) pitched her first career game and took the loss in the circle for Morehead State (0-8).
"Being in the circle is something that's always been muscle memory to me. I was telling my coaches that I'm not necessarily your normal 'pitcher' but I AM a competitor and can go anywhere that is needed," she said.
Pickford, who has hits in nine straight games, went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple in addition to her five RBI for the Eagles. Freshman Maddy Christopher compiled a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Freshman Sophie Collins also helped out for Morehead State, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding a double, a walk and an RBI.
Coach Megan Griffith was encouraged by the team's progress throughout the afternoon, despite its recent struggles and makeshift lineup.
"We battled hard throughout the whole game. We were very disciplined at the plate and executed offense on a high level," she said. "Pickford came in from third to the mound and did the job we needed her to do. We just fell short on the mound."
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 6-0, the Eagles first put runs on the board in the first inning. Morehead State's offense started clicking and put up five runs, including a two-run single off the bat of freshman Nyla Doiron.
The Norse expanded their lead to 7-5 before the Eagles offense got back to work, taking the lead in the third. The Morehead State offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a two-run triple off the bat of Pickford, which brought the Eagles lead to 9-7.
Morehead State's lead had evaporated by the time the fourth inning arrived and turned into a 10-9 Northern Kentucky advantage, when the Eagles evened up the game at 10.
The Norse broke up the tie and grabbed the lead heading into the sixth inning, when Morehead State got back on the board. The Eagles scored five runs in the inning, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Pickford, bringing the score to 18-15 in favor of Northern Kentucky. The Eagles were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» The Eagles got three-hit games from both Pickford and Christopher.
» Morehead State's power output was led by Pickford, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Pickford drove in five runs for the Eagles.
» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed five runs across.
» Five Morehead State hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» The Eagles got two hits in four at-bats with the bases loaded.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 44 Northern Kentucky hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and 13 fly balls while striking out one.
» The Eagles drew five walks from Northern Kentucky pitching.
» Pickford led the Eagles at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and five RBI.
» Northern Kentucky was led offensively by senior Olivia Pastin, who went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and four RBI.
» Freshman Kyndall Ford led the Norse pitching staff, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.
