The Skyhawks eliminated Eastern Kentucky University from the championship in game 12 of the tournament.
UTM lead strong in the first inning when the second player up to bat, Kayla Wade, hit her second homerun of the championship. Wade also sent Kelsey Dixon back around the bases which gave theSkyhawks an early lead over the Colonels.
The second inning proved to be scoreless for both teams. UTMdelivered an errorless top of the third which prevented EKU from even taking first base.
The bottom of the third inning was a strong one for UTM. Kenzi Tate sent a grounder to center field which brought Wade home for her second run of the game, giving the Skyhawks a strong 3-0 lead.
In the fourth inning, EKU was able to tie the game. Raquel Howes gave the Colonels a spot on the board when she hit a solo shot over the right field fence. Lauren Mitchell sent a long shot into left field which allowed time for Shannon Mitch, pinch running for Katie Tackett, to step across home plate. Melissa Costa also hit a double to bring Mitchell back home. With Costa’s hit, the Colonels tied the game 3-3.
Although EKU was able to tie the game, they gave the Skyhawks a free run in the bottom of the fourth when Leah Taylor was walked with the bases loaded. After both Wade and Taylor were walked back-to-back by Hayley Flynn, the Colonels brought in Leanna Pittsenbarger to finish the inning.
The Skyhawks knew going into the top of the fifth they would need a strong defense to prevent the Colonels from re-tying the game or taking the lead. With a player on third, Kayla Wade stopped a fly to the left field fence to prevent the Colonels from adding runs to the board.
The Skyhawks kept the Colonels from adding any more runs throughout the sixth and seventh innings.
In the top of the seventh, freshman Autumn Glenn caught the pop fly at third base and sent the ball to first base for a double out that would end the game. The Skyhawks ended game 12 with a final score of 4-3.
UTM will take on Murray State University Sunday, May 12 at 9 a.m. To keep up with the game, follow The Pacer on Facebook and on Twitter at @thepacer.
