MT beats Memphis, loses to Kent State

Saturday, February 13

Fort Myers, Fla.

8:00 AM

Middle Tennessee

2-1

Memphis

0-3

Memphis

Middle Tennessee

2/13/2016 4:45:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Raiders run rule Tigers, lose to unbeaten Kent State by one

By: @MT_Athletics

FORT MYERS, FLA. – Middle Tennessee (2-2) again split the day as they opened Saturday morning with an 11-2 win over Memphis (0-3), but followed that with a tough 4-3 loss to Kent State (4-0).

The Raiders got the day going early as they plated six in the first inning. Kirstyn Cuccia drove in the first run as she singled to left field and drove in Precious Birdsong. Carlie Jenkins followed with an inside-the-park home run and the Raiders quickly led 3-0.

With the bases loaded Deja Portillo brought in Megan Griffith with an infield single. Then Birdsong reached on an error that allowed Payton Grove and Kristin Uselton to cross the plate for a 6-0 advantage.

Middle Tennessee added to their lead with single runs in each the second and third innings, before they busted things open in the fourth. Grove drew a bases loaded walk to bring home Griffith, then Lauren Payne struck out to bring turn the lineup back over to Birdsong with the sacks still full of Raiders.

Austyn Whaley scored when Birdsong walked, then Cuccia followed with an RBI single to score Uselton and the MT lead grew to 11-0 after just four innings.

Kelci Cheney was again impressive as she allowed three hits in four shutout innings. The fifth was a little rocky, as she allowed a walk and a single, that eventually led to Memphis's only run. Regan Hadley reached on an error that scored Tyler Johnson and Breana Valenzuela to cut MT's lead to 11-2. But that's all the closest the Tigers came, as the Raiders won by having a lead of eight or more runs after five innings.

Cheney (2-1) earned her second win as she threw a complete game four hitter and allowed two runs, only one of which was earned. Cheney walked four and struck out two while only throwing 87 pitches in the outing.

Cuccia impressed as the right fielder went 3-4 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Birdsong ended up just 1-3, but earned a walk, stole a base and scored two runs. Danielle Munoz was 2-3 at the plate with an RBI and Grove went 2-2 with a run, RBI and a walk.

Middle Tennessee roughed up Katie Brignac (0-2) as MT got to her for all six first-inning runs. Brignac took the loss after a tough 0.2 of an inning to drop to 0-and-2 on the season. The Raiders got five more runs off Bayleigh Wisher who lasted 2.2 innings and gave up five runs on seven hits and walked four.

A quick start was the theme of the day as MT scored in the first inning of their matchup with Kent State as well. Griffith singled home Jenkins and Cuccia and the Raiders were quickly on the board with a 2-0 lead after half an inning.

The Raiders added to their lead in the top of the fourth as Birdsong earned an RBI groundout that plated Payne to give MT a 3-0 advantage.

Megan Chocallo got the call in the circle in game two, and was cruising through the first three innings. Chocallo kept the Golden Flashes hitters off balance as she faced the minimum through 2.1 innings thanks to two double plays turned by her defense. Through 3.1 innings, Chocallo had a no-hitter as three walks and hit batter were the only way Kent State was able to reach base.

But a single by Holly Speers, followed by another base hit from Shelbi Tilton loaded the bases for Bailey Brownfield. Brownfield doubled to clear the bases and Kent State tied the game 3-3. With Brownfield now on third, Jen Cader earned a bunt single to score Brownfield and the Golden Flashes took their first lead 4-3.

It was then Kent State pitcher Janel Hayes's turn to cruise, as she finished off the Raiders, retiring 10 of the final 11 MT batters she faced. After a shaky start, Hayes (1-0) earned her first win of the year with a complete game. Hayes went the full 7.0 innings, allowed just three runs, scattered six hits, walked three and struck out five.

Chocallo (0-1) took the loss with as she allowed four runs on three hits and walked three in 3.1 innings. Pattie Taylor impressed again in relief as she went 2.2 innings and allowed no runs on three hits.

The Only Raider with multiple hits was Carlie Jenkins as she went 2-4 at the plate and scored a run.

Middle Tennessee will regroup and get things going again early Sunday as they will take on the UIC Flames at 8am central time. That time slot worked out well for the Raiders on Saturday, as UIC went 1-1 on Friday with games against FGCU and Michigan State scheduled for Saturday afternoon and evening.