MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Indiana State softball fell to Memphis 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at the Tiger Softball Complex in the finale of the Blues City Classic.
 
Memphis struck first in the contest after a Sycamore error loaded the bases and the Tigers scored on an RBI groundout. Lexi Benko got the next batter to strikeout swinging to retire the side and limit the damage to just one run.
 
The Tigers would extend their lead in the third inning, scoring two on a base hit to center field. With Memphis leading 3-0, Benko picked up two more strikeouts to get out of the inning.
 
Indiana State would rally in the fourth with three runs in the inning to tie the game at three. Annie Tokarek and TeAnn Bringle had base hits and came around to score on a triple down the right field line from Danielle Henning. Kennedy Shade followed that with an RBI double to left field to score Henning. Each run scored with two outs in the inning.
 
The Sycamores had other opportunities to score but were unable to convert, leaving five runners on base in the final three innings of the game. Benko turned in 1-2-3 innings in the fourth and fifth and allowed just one runner in the sixth to limit Memphis.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Memphis got a runner to second base with two outs and would win it 4-3 on a base hit to right field which allowed the winning run to cross home plate.
 
ISU scattered six hits throughout the afternoon with three being for extra bases. Memphis also finished with six hits.
 
In the circle for the Sycamores, Lexi Benko went the distance, giving up just two earned runs while striking out four. The loss drops Benko to 5-4 on the season.
 
Indiana State finishes their weekend 2-3 at the Blues City Classic to move the Sycamores record to 10-8.
 
Around The Horn
-Bella Peterson's double against Memphis was her team-leading 10^th extra base hit of the 2022 season.
Peterson has now reached base safely in eight-straight games.
 
-Peterson's six doubles this season rank 23^rd nationally.
 
-Danielle Henning's two RBIs gives her 10 for the season which leads the team.
 
-Annie Tokarek had five hits over the weekend and has now reached base in six-straight games.
 
-Cassie Thomerson has been hit by a pitch seven times this season, which is tied for the most in the country.
 
Up Next
Indiana State will head back to Tennessee next weekend for the Golden Eagle Classic hosted by Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.

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