Blue Raiders fall 4-2 in Middle Tennessee Classic Championship

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Katie Mielke was 2-for-2 with an RBI as the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (4-8,0-0) lost 4-2 to the UT Martin Skyhawks (5-6, 0-0) in the championship game of the Middle Tennessee Classic at Blue Raider Field on Sunday evening.

The Blue Raiders came into the game on a season-high three-game winning streak after defeating #29 Southern Illinois earlier on Sunday. Lindsey Vander Lugt threw a complete game, one-hit shutout to lead the home side to victory.

Vander Lugt (2-5) made her second straight start in the complete game loss for the Blue Raiders, giving up four runs on 10 hits. The talented sophomore struck out five and did not walk a batter for the second straight game.

Paij Lintz (2-2) got the start and win for the Skyhawks, giving up two runs on 10 hits and walking three batters in the complete game.

Middle Tennessee put the first run of the game on the board in the 3rd inning when Katie Mielke singled up the middle, scoring Corrie Abel and making the game 1-0 in favor of the Blue Raiders.

UT Martin responded in the 6th inning to put themselves in front 4-1. Ashley Benbow and Laura Roberts hit back-to-back RBI singles before Savannah Roberts nailed a 2 RBI single to finish the scoring for the UT Martin.

Justine Cerda and Caitlin McLure hit back-back, one-out singles in the 7th inning as the Blue Raiders looked to tie the game. However, Ashley Cline and Brittney Banania were unable to drive the runners across the plate as the Blue Raiders lost for the first time in three games.

Cerda was 1-for-2 with a walk for MT as they scored an impressive 3-1 record in the Classic.

Middle Tennessee takes on local-rival Lipscomb in a doubleheader at Blue Raider Field on Thursday. The first game is scheduled to begin at 2 PM. Follow the action live at GoBlueRaiders.com with Russell Luna providing play-by-play.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.