Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Cleveland State
Raider Softball Opens Fall Season with Doubleheader Victory
9/30/2018 6:49:00 PM | Softball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee softball team returned to the field for the first time since their NCAA Regional Tournament appearance. The Blue Raiders opened up fall ball play at home against Cleveland State and posted two wins, 17-2 and 6-0.
"I thought our kids played really well," said Head Coach Jeff Breeden. "I thought we had a lot of energy when we came to the park today. WE're gonna wear a bullseye on us from our championship last year, which is fine with me. Our kids are going to come out and play hard every day, and I thought we did that. I thought our pitchers threw pretty well today. Offensively, I thought Deja [Portillo] really stepped it up today and overall we hit the ball well. We had a couple of home runs and we stole a lot of bases. Claire [Smith] had a few doubles today. So I think we're going to be very good when we pay attention to every little detail. I think we're still very young so we're not paying attention to small details, but when we get to that point it'll be fun to watch us. I think we're going to be a fun team to watch play."
MT amassed 20 hits in game one with 15 RBI, five doubles, two triples and three home runs. The Lady Cougars were held to just five hits as the Raider pitching staff recorded four strikeouts. Amber Baldwin, Kailey Ahlstrom and Gretchen Mead saw time in the circle in game one.
In game two of the doubleheader, the Raider pitching staff returned and was even more lights out than the innings prior. The trio of Corrina Dodd, Amber Baldwin and Riley Fleming pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just one hit while striking out 12 and walking none.
The offense in game two recorded 10 hits and five RBI to go with a double.
Between the two games the Raiders stole eight bases and committed no errors in an excellent first fall showing.
"We played two games without an error, that's great," Breeden said. "Our kids are working hard defensively and I think that defense will be a big key for us as we continue through the fall season and mature as a team."
