Critical hits missing in losses to Racers

Posted: Wednesday, April 17, 2013 12:00 pm

The UT Martin softball team outhit visiting Murray State but could not overcome a fifth inning home run, falling in the Ohio Valley Conference series finale 3-2 Sunday.
The Skyhawks (29-13, 10-6 OVC) tallied 10 hits on the afternoon, led by Kayla Wade, Kenzi Tate and Becca Williams each with a pair of hits.
Lauren Smith paced the team with a home run and two RBI.
Sophomore Casey Vin-cent gave a valiant effort in the circle, notching her 14th complete game and striking out four. She allowed just three runs through seven innings but received the loss.
The Racers (17-22, 8-8 OVC) took the lead for good in the top of the fifth as Alex Becker and launched a no-doubter down the left field line for a two-run home run and the ultimate difference in the game.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
UTM 1-1, MSU 0-4
UT Martin needed very little help on the offensive end as Vincent pitched yet another gem in the circle in the doubleheader opening game.
Vincent, starting her team-leading 20th game on the season, rendered the Racer bats silent as the lefty pitched her fourth shutout on the campaign.
The Hillsboro native faced just three more batters than the minimum, striking out seven and not surrendering a walk.
On the offensive end, the Skyhawks turned to their senior lead-off hitter in Taylor to give Vincent all the support necessary as she lined a home run well over the leftfield stands in the fourth inning.
With the home run, Taylor moved into a tie for third place on the all-time home run list at UT Martin with Megan Williams, sister of the Skyhawk senior rightfielder Becca, with 25 career home runs.
In the second game, Wade ripped her 12th career triple, moving past Williams and into second place on the school’s all-time list, and later scored for the Skyhawks.
Tate, pitching her 13th complete game of the season, fell to 15-3 on the season as she allowed five hits and struck out two.

Published in The WCP 4.16.13