TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State Softball secured a 3-0 victory over Eastern Illinois on Tuesday evening at Price Field. The Sycamores used a three-run sixth inning and a combined shutout performance in the circle to improve to 18-16 on the season. 

In a scoreless deadlock through five innings, the Sycamores broke through in the bottom of the sixth. Madison Poulson sparked the rally with a leadoff walk and stole second. Claire Connelly then drove a single to center field to score Poulson for the game's first run. Following a pitching change, Emi Jeras delivered a pinch-hit RBI single to score Hannah Welch. Sophie Esposito capped the scoring by reaching on a fielder's choice, allowing Bella Pusateri to cross the plate and extend the lead to 3-0. 

Eastern Illinois was held to just two hits in the contest. Mo Hance and Marybeth Dyson recorded the only hits for the Panthers, both coming in the fifth inning. Despite putting runners on base in five different innings, EIU left five runners stranded and was unable to overcome the Sycamore defense. 

How They Scored 

• Indiana St.: Claire Connelly singled to center field, RBI; Madison Poulson scored (1-0). 

• Indiana St.: Emi Jeras singled to center field, RBI; Hannah Welch scored (2-0). 

• Indiana St.: Sophie Esposito reached on a fielder's choice, RBI; Bella Pusateri scored (3-0). 

News & Notes 

• Claire Connelly finished the day 3-for-3 at the plate with one RBI. 

• Caylee Gaytan earned the win in relief, while Lauren Sackett and Gaytan combined for the two-hit shutout. 

• Morgan Goodrich contributed a double in the third inning, one of the Sycamores' five total hits. 

• The pitching staff combined for five strikeouts, with Sackett recording four in her four innings of work. 

Up Next 

Indiana State will continue MVC play next Sunday (DH)  and Monday, facing the Southern Illinois Salukis. First pitch for both days is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET with live stats available on GoSycamores.com. 

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