Blue Raiders Score 5-1 Victory Over UT Martin

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Lindsey Vander Lugt pitched a shutout as Middle Tennessee jumped out to an early three run lead as the Blue Raiders (2-7, 0-0) rolled to a 5-1 win over the UT Martin Skyhawks (3-5, 0-0) at the Middle Tennessee Classic on Saturday afternoon.

The Blue Raiders came into the game looking for their second victory of the season after going 0-4 in the Crimson Classic last Saturday.

Vander Lugt (1-4) got the start and the win for the Blue Raiders. The sophomore gave up one run and scattered seven hits, while striking out a season-high six batters in a well-pitched complete game.

Skyhawk starter Paij Lintz (1-2) picked up the loss. The righty gave up five runs on five hits, while striking out one and walking one in 3.1 innings of action.

Lacie Endrizzi gave up three hits in the 2.2 innings of scoreless relief for UT Martin.

Middle Tennessee opened the 2nd inning with two back-to-back singles by Corrie Abel and Whitney Darlington Senior Katie Mielke doubled to deep left field, driving in Abel and giving the Blue Raiders a 1-0 lead. A Whittney Padgett sacrifice fly made it 2-0 before Justine Cerda nailed and RBI single through the left side, driving in Mielke and putting the Blue Raiders firmly in the lead 3-0.

The Blue Raiders increased their lead to 5-0 in the 4th inning. Whittney Padgett crushed a single through the left side, driving in Mielke and Darlington.

UT Martin pulled a run back in the top of the 6th inning when designated player Laurie Lindow hit an RBI single to right field, scoring Megan Williams and cutting the Blue Raiders lead to 5-1.

The Blue Raiders take on Belmont in the second game of the Middle Tennessee Classic at 5 PM.