MTSU win thrillers vs. Ball State and Illinois State on walk-off hits; Breeden becomes winningest head coach in program history

Friday, February 28

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

11 AM

Middle Tennessee

5-11

Ball State

7-3

Ball State

MTSU

2/28/2025 7:27:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Photo Gallery Photo Gallery 2

Anyce Harvey and Ansley Blevins play the hero

By: Jake Freelund, MTSU Athletic Communications

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee softball put on a show for Blue Raider fans, winning both of their games in walk-off fashion. MTSU defeated Ball State 4-3 and Illinois State 2-1.

The first win of the day made head coach Jeff Breeden the winningest head coach in MTSU softball history. Breeden now had 278 career wins at MTSU, surpassing Karen Green's 276. Green was the first head coach in program history. The victory gives the Blue Raiders a 2-0 record at home to start the 2025 season: their first time doing so since 2021.

How It Happened vs. Ball State
Ball State came out firing, hitting a three-run home run in the top of the first inning. However, the Cardinals' offense was completely shut down by Jesyne Espinal from that point forward, as they only managed two hits over the final six innings. The win was Espinal's second of the season and the first complete game of her career.

For the Blue Raiders, Ava Tepe got the offense going with a two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning, scoring Lilly Pendergrast. Ansley Blevins kept the momentum going in the third with an RBI-single that brought home Ava Brooks, tying the game at three.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the seventh, when Anyce Harvey stepped up to the plate with Ansley Blevins on second and Lexi Medlock on third. Harvey then roped a double to right-center field, sealing the walk-off victory.

How It Happened vs. Illinois State
In the second game of the day, Leila Ammon was stellar on the mound, throwing seven innings while allowing just one run and striking out six. Both the seven innings pitched and the six strikeouts set new career highs for Ammon. The lone Illinois State run came in the second inning on an RBI single.

The Blue Raider offense got off to a quick start with a leadoff double from Addy Edgmon, but they were largely held in check after that, failing to record another hit until the sixth inning. Entering the bottom of the seventh down 1-0, MTSU needed late-game heroics.

Lexi Medlock opened the inning with a solo home run to right field, tying the game. Two batters later, Ansley Blevins stepped into the batter's box and crushed a walk-off home run over the fence. It was the 22nd home run of her career, moving her into third place in program history. The hit also marked the first walk-off of her career.
"Leila was incredible today, and we really wanted to get her the win because she deserved it," Blevins said. "It was a great day for us as a team, and we're excited to build on this momentum moving forward."

By the Numbers

50: Lexi Medlock recorded the 50th hit of her career in the first game.
3.28: Freshman Leila Ammon lowered her ERA to an impressive 3.28 to begin her collegiate career.
3: Ansley Blevins led the squad with three hits across the two games.

Up next
Day 2 of the MTSU Invitational will take place on Saturday, Mar. 1 with the first pitch set for 11:00 am CT vs. Illinois State. The second game is scheduled for 1:30 pm CT vs. Ball State. Live stats can be found at Stat Broadcast.