Blue Raiders Fall 2-0 to South Alabama

MOBILE, Ala. - Middle Tennessee allowed just two runs but the Blue Raiders (7-15, 2-4) struggled at the plate as they fell 2-0 to the South Alabama Jaguars (14-13, 2-2) in the first game of a doubleheader at the Jaguar Softball Complex on Friday afternoon.

Blue Raider starter Lindsey Vander Lugt (4-9) picked up the loss. The sophomore gave up two runs on seven hits, while striking out three and walking two in the complete game outing.

Beth Pilgrim (9-4) got the start and the victory for the Jaguars The righty gave up just one hit and struck out six in the complete game shutout.

The Jaguars opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st inning. Evelyn Pare hit a short single before putting herself into scoring position by stealing second base. Fallon Fisher singled and Autumn Hudson walked to load the bases.

Tara Donaldson drove in two base runners with a double down the left field line to put Middle Tennessee behind 2-0.

Middle Tennessee got their only hit of the game in the top of 5th inning when Corrie Abel hit a single to the gap in right center field. The Blue Raiders were unable to drive the centerfielder across as Justine Cerda flew out to end the inning.

Middle Tennessee's best chance to cut into the lead came in the bottom of the 6th inning. Ashley Cline reached first base when her hard shot squeezed under the glove of Jaguar shortstop Jenny Stevens before stealing second base to put her in scoring position.

Brittney Banania grounded to the pitcher for the third out.

The Blue Raiders return to action in the second game of the doubleheader with the Jaguars at 6 PM. Follow the action live by clicking the link at GoBlueRaiders.com.

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