MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee softball team squeaked out 3-2 win over Austin Peay on Mondayafternoon. The win was MT’s 25th of the year as the Blue Raiders are now 25-12.
Cori Jennings pitched the complete game win, her 12th of the season. She struck out seven in the effort.
It was a defensive battle from both teams as the game was scoreless through four innings with just three total hits.
Austin Peay struck first for two runs in the top of the fifth. Carly Mattson lead off with a solo home run for a 1-0 lead. Then, Emily Harkleroad reached as she was hit by a pitch and came around to score on a Blue Raider error.
Down by two runs, MT rallied back in the bottom of the sixth inning. Precious Birdsong started off the frame with a walk and a stolen base. Morgan Harris and Lexi Cushing followed with back-to-back infield singles to score Birdsong and make it a 2-1 game. Kristin Uselton then laid down a bunt and beat it out as Harris scored from second base on the play to tie the game. A batter later, MT took the lead as pinch runner Brooke McClure stole second which allowed Cushing to come home on the throw.
Jennings struck out two of the final three Governor batters to secure the 3-2 MT win.
“We showed a lot of fight out there today,” said Head Coach Jeff Breeden. “Cori pitched well for us today and as a senior has shown her leadership and taken on a big role in the circle for us.”
Up Next
The Blue Raiders return to the diamond on Wednesday for a midweek matchup with UT-Martin. The game is slated for 4pm first pitch.
