Blaine Kinsey

GoSycamores.com

TERRE HAUTE, Ind.—Despite holding an early lead, the Indiana State Softball team was unable to hold off Bradley as they fell in the rubber match of the three-game series on Sunday at Price Field.

 Bradley struck first in the top of the first inning when the Braves leadoff batter reached on an error and came around to score to take a 1-0 early advantage.

The Sycamores responded in the bottom of the first as junior Erika Crissman hit a one out single before freshman Shaye Barton was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with one out. Junior Brooke Riemenschneider then reached on a fielders choice and advanced to second on a throwing error which scored Crissman.

Riemenschneider then stole third base before senior Alexa Cavin hit an infield single to score Riemenschneider and give the Sycamores a 2-1 lead. 

Bradley answered back, scoring one in the second and four in the third to take a 6-2 lead over the Sycamores.

Indiana State got things going once again in the bottom of the fourth when junior Mary Turitto led off with a single before senior Abbie Malchow doubled down the right field line to put runners at second and third with no outs. After a ground out, Turitto scored on a wild pitch and junior Kassie Brown drew a walk to put runners on the corners with one out.

The Sycamores then executed a perfect double steal as Malchow stole home to cut the Braves lead to 6-4 after four innings.

Bradley kept the offense going, however, scoring in the fifth and sixth to go on to defeat the Sycamores 12-4 in six innings.

The Sycamores will return to action Wednesday, when they travel to Bloomington, Ind. to face the Indiana Hoosiers.