TERRE HAUTE, Ind. –Indiana State secured a series sweep over Murray State, winning 9-5 in Game 2 and 16-3 in Game 3, highlighted by solid pitching from Hailey Griffin, Cassi Newbanks, and Lauren Sackett, along with explosive offense.
Game Two: Indiana State 9, Murray State 5
The Sycamores powered past Murray State 9-5 in game two of the series, with key hits and strong pitching leading to the victory.
Hailey Griffin threw 3.1 innings for the Sycamores, allowing only three hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out five.
Cassi Newbanks earned her third win of the season in the circle for Indiana State with 3.2 innings of relief, giving up five hits, two earned runs and striking out one. Solid outings from both pitchers helped secure the victory.
The Sycamores jumped out to an early lead, loading the bases in the first inning with walks to Morgan Goodrich and Hannah Welch, and Livi Colip getting hit by a pitch.
Brailey Mills delivered a clutch bases-clearing double down the left field line, bringing in three runs to take a 3-0 lead. Goodrich, Colip, and Welch all scored, with Mills earning three RBIs.
Peyton Simmons followed with an RBI single to shortstop to bring Mills home, extending the lead to 4-0.
Hailey Griffin dominated the second inning, striking out all three batters she faced. Murray State responded in the top of the third with two runs, as Huels doubled to drive in Minor and Lackey to make it 4-2. Griffin shut the door with a strikeout to end the inning, leaving one Racer on base.
Livi Colip added a double in the third, keeping the pressure on the Racers.
In the top of the fourth, Murray State cut the lead to 4-3 with a bunt single by Holcombe that brought in a run. However, the Sycamores held strong, getting the final out to prevent further scoring.
In the bottom of the fourth, Goodrich walked and later scored on a wild pitch, making it 5-3.
The Sycamores extended their lead in the fifth. Madison Poulson and Morgan Goodrich led off with singles, and Sophie Esposito came through with a 2-RBI double to bring both runners home.
Hannah Welch added an RBI single, and Peyton Simmons drove in another run with a fielder's choice, making it 9-3.
Murray State battled back in the top of the seventh with two runs. Lackey singled, and Minor doubled to set up RBIs from Huels and Ozment.
However, the Sycamores secured the final out with a strikeout to end the threat and hold on for the 9-5 victory, taking game two of the series.
Game Three: Indiana State 16, Murray State 3 (5 innings)
Indiana State came out swinging, scoring six runs in the first inning. Madison Poulson reached on an error, and Livi Colip and Hannah Welch added singles to load the bases.
Brailey Mills capitalized with a two-run error, followed by Peyton Simmons' RBI single.
Luci Kapelka capped the first-inning scoring with a 3-run home run, giving the Sycamores a 6-0 lead, which was the first of the season for Kapelka, second of her career.
The Sycamores weren't done, adding six more runs in the 3rd. Welch walked and scored on Mills' RBI single. Simmons walked, and Marsicek kept up the momentum as she recorded an RBI single.
Kenzie Cornwell then knocked a pinch-hit, two-RBI double, followed by Sophie Esposito's RBI single to keep the scoring going.
Livi Colip capped the rally with an RBI single, making it 12-0 after three innings.
Murray State responded in the 4th with a three-run rally, but the Sycamores held strong.
In the 4th, Poulson hit a 3-RBI triple, scoring Marsicek, Kapelka, and Simmons. Poulson crossed the plate on a wild pitch, and Goodrich singled before a double play ended the inning.
The Sycamores closed it out with a 16-3 victory in five innings, to win the series 3-0 over Murray State.
Lauren Sackett earned her first win of the season in game three, after a solid 5-inning performance. She allowed six hits and three runs, while walking three batters and striking out four. Her strong outing helped lead the Sycamores to a 16-3 victory, securing the win in the series finale.
Up Next:
The Sycamores will host Ball State for a midweek matchup at Price Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 3 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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