TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State erupted for four runs in the fifth inning to break open a 2-2 tie and propel the Sycamores to a 6-3 win over Evansville in the first game of a doubleheader in Missouri Valley Conference play Wednesday afternoon at Price Field.
 
Bailey Martin's single to center broke the tie, scoring Rebecca Gibbs and loading the bases as Indiana State (21-19, 8-7) took the 3-2 lead. That extended to a 6-2 lead one batter later as Shaye Barton ripped a double to right center, driving in three runs and putting the game out of reach for the Purple Aces as Evansville (11-27, 4-11) dropped its eighth consecutive game.
 
Leslie Sims led the Sycamores offense in a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, scoring one run. Meanwhile Barton tied a career-high with her three RBIs, all of which came with one swing of the bat.
 
Kylie Stober (6-7) was credited with the win after allowing three runs on four hits in five innings in the circle. Morgan Florey (8-14) went the distance for Evansville, allowing six runs – five earned – on eight hits. She did not issue a walk and struck out five.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Shaye Barton gets the nod by putting the game out of reach with her three-run double. The junior tied a career-high in RBIs with that one swing of the bat, matching the three RBIs she posted against Lehigh on March 13, 2016.
 
STAT OF THE GAME
The four stolen bases by the Sycamores marks the second consecutive game the Trees have swiped four bases in a game, both being season highs.
 
PITCHERS OF RECORD

• Win: Kylie Stober, Indiana State (6-7)
• Loss: Morgan Florey, Evansville (8-14)
• Save: None

RECORDS UPDATE

• Indiana State: 21-19 (8-7 MVC)
• Evansville: 11-27 (4-11 MVC)

NOTABLES

• Indiana State is now 49-45 all-time against Evansville.
• The Sycamores have now won four straight series openers against the Purple Aces.
• Bella Peterson registered a career-high two stolen bases.
• Mike Perniciaro is now 12-6 all-time against Evansville.
• The four stolen bases matches a season-high mark for the Sycamores.

For the latest information on the Sycamore Softball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.