Softball wins 1-0 in extra innings

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -Lindsey Vander Lugt set a new Middle Tennessee record for starts by a pitcher with 114 for her career on Wednesday as the Blue Raiders took on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks winning 1-0 in the opening contest of the doubleheader.

It was true pitchers dual as Vander Lugt went 10.0 scoreless innings with nine strikeouts while allowing no walks and five hits edging her JSU opposition Hilary Phillips who tossed 9.7 scoreless frames striking out eight hitters. Vander Lugt extended her longest winning streak of her career to move to 8-6 on the year and her overall ERA dropped to 2.14.

Middle Tennessee's first scoring opportunity came in the top of third inning as Kelsey Dortch walked with two outs. She would eventually move to third after two consecutive infield hits by Caitlin McLure and Corrie Abel. Unfortunately, the Blue Raiders were not able to bring the runners home finishing the frame with three runners left on base.

In the top of the fourth, Jessi Couch led off smacking her first double of the season to leftfield. Kandra Singleton would single with two outs, but again the Blue Raiders could not manufacture the needed hit to score the run.

The two pitchers would battle for the next five innings before Kaycee Popham came across the plate in top of the 10th scored via JSU error from third. Popham stole third after originally being placed on second as result of the international tie-breaker rule. Vander Lugt would shut the door in the bottom half of the inning for the Raiders ninth victory of the season.

The team will attempt to even their record at 10-10 in the second game of the doubleheader. The program has not had a .500 or better record since 2004. Livestats, audio and full coverage will be available on GoBlueRaiders.com.

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