Blue Raiders Drop Final Game of Series

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Samantha Floyd had another strong outing but the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (20-22, 9-6 SBC ) could not overcome an early deficit as they dropped the final game of the series against the North Texas Mean Green (16-26, 8-7 SBC) at Blue Raider Field on Sunday, 3-2.

The Blue Raiders came into the day with the series already decided after they took both games versus the Mean Green on Saturday.

Blue Raider Starter Amy Candioto (1-2) picked up the loss, giving up three earned runs on four hits in while striking out one and walking none in 1.2 innings.

Floyd pitched most of the game for Middle Tennessee, giving up no runs and no hits while striking out three and walking one in 5.1 innings. She continued her string of stupendous performances, including wins against North Texas on Saturday and Louisiana-Monroe last Sunday.

Ashley Lail (10-9) got the start and win for the Mean Green, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out four and walking three in the complete game.

After a scoreless first inning, North Texas opened the game up in their favor when Kadie Platt doubled down the left, driving in Kristina Fowler and leaving the Mean Green with an early 1-0 lead.

The very next batter, Danielle Rupp, ripped a two-run home run over the wall in centerfield to increase their lead to 3-0.

The Blue Raiders responded in the bottom of the third inning when Caitlin McClure singled up the middle, driving in Corrie Abel. Later in the inning, Whitney Darlington hit her team-leading 27 RBI of the season to cut the North Texas lead to a single run.

Despite holding the Mean Green scoreless over the final five innings, MT was unable to capitalize.

Caitlin McClure was 2-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI to lead the Blue Raider offense. Ashley Cline stole her team-leading 25th base of the season.

Middle Tennessee returns to action at Blue Raider Field on Wednesday in a single game against #20/22 Southern Illinois. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

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