JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Eastern Illinois softball placed runners at second and third in the final two innings on Friday afternoon but couldn't connect for the big hit as East Tennessee was able to shutout EIU 3-0.
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Trailing 1-0 heading into the sixth inning, EIU placed runners at second and third with one out as
Rachel Kaufman walked and
Macey McElravy doubled down the left field line. ETSU pitcher Brianna Bailey (4-5) was able to strike out the next two batters to get out of the inning with a 1-0 Bucs lead.
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ETSU provided Bailey with a little offensive cushion in the sixth as Makala Strickland hit a home run and Jasmine Sanchez tacked on an RBI double.
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The Panthers threatened once again in the seventh as
Morgan Lewis led off the inning with a single and advanced to third on a double by
Aryn Henke.  EIU loaded the bases with one out on a
Jaylen Prichard walk but followed with a shallow fly ball and ground out to end the game.
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Rachel Kaufman (3-3) pitched 3.2 innings in the start and took the loss.Â
Alexa Rehmeier pitched the final 2.2 innings.
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Henke and McElravy each had two hits for EIU in the game as EIU is now 14-12 on the season.
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ETSU improved to 7-18. Sanchez and Cameron Young each had two hits to lead the Bucs.
