MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Indiana State softball used a pair of big innings to power past Morehead State, 11-3, in five innings Saturday at the Tigers Softball Complex.

The Sycamores (8-5) totaled 12 hits and broke the game open with a five-run fifth inning to secure the run-rule victory.

Indiana State wasted no time setting the tone in the first inning. Morgan Goodrich drew a leadoff walk, stole second and came around to score on a triple to center field by Madison Poulson. Mallory Chavez followed with an RBI single, and Claire Connelly added an RBI double after Hannah Welch swiped second and advanced on a wild pitch, giving ISU an early 3-0 lead.

Morehead State responded with a run in the third and took advantage of a two-run home run in the fourth to briefly tie the contest at 3-3.

The Sycamores answered immediately.

In the bottom of the fourth, Annie Waggoner singled to spark the rally before Bella Pusateri laid down a bunt single. With the bases loaded, Poulson delivered again — ripping a three-RBI double down the left field line to put Indiana State back in front, 6-3.

Indiana State put the game away in the fifth. Pusateri singled to start the inning, and after a walk and an infield single by Goodrich loaded the bases, Poulson drove in two more runs with a single through the left side. Chavez followed with a two-RBI double to center, and Connelly capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly to seal the 11-3 victory.

Poulson led the offense with six RBI, going 3-for-4 with a triple, double and single. Chavez added two hits and two RBI, while Goodrich reached base three times, scored three runs and stole a base.

In the circle, Caylee Gaytan earned the start before Megan Asher entered in relief and helped limit further damage after the Eagles' fourth-inning home run. Indiana State pitching combined to hold Morehead State scoreless over the final inning to secure the shortened victory.

News & Notes

• Indiana State improved to 9-5 on the season with the five-inning run-rule victory.

• Madison Poulson went 3-for-4 with six RBI, driving in three runs in the fourth inning to give ISU the lead for good.

• The Sycamores broke the game open with a five-run fifth inning and finished with 12 hits.

• Morgan Goodrich reached base three times and scored three runs, setting the tone at the top of the lineup.

The Sycamores continue tournament play in Memphis tomorrow against Kentucky and Memphis.

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