Hurler Martinez Throws No-Hitter at Mardi Gras Classic

MONROE, La. - Senior hurler Jennifer Martinez (2-0) tossed the first no-hitter of her career in Middle Tennessee's (2-2) 3-0 win over Tulsa (8-1) at the Mardi Gras Classic Saturday.

Middle Tennessee won the first game of bracket play after dropping two games earlier in the day. The Lady Raiders had three runs on four hits and committed one error.

Freshman Leah Grothause helped put the Lady Raiders on the board in the fifth inning when her bunt sent home designated player Jennifer Polsteen. Kelly Cormier scored the second run of the inning on an error by the Hurricanes catcher Stephanie Sliepen. Middle Tennessee added an insurance run at the top of the seventh, when pinch runner Katie McCraw scored on a wild pitch by Tulsa's Jenny Magill.

Host Louisiana-Monroe pinned a 10-1 loss on the Lady Raiders in game two on Saturday. Senior pitcher Amanda Kendall gave up 10 earned runs on 12 hits, two homeruns and threw two wild pitches that scored Lady Indian runners.

Freshman third baseman Danielle DeCamino got her first hit as a Lady Raider, and consequently also scored her first run, which was the only one for Middle Tennessee. Grothause, the Lady Raiders other freshman rookie, saw action behind the plate when senior Lindsay Azevedo had to leave the game due to a finger injury.

Middle Tennessee lost 1-0 against Texas A&M Corpus Christi to start Saturday's action. The Islanders only score came on a homerun, given up by junior hurler Stayc Preator (0-1). TA&MCC right fielder Megan Rathkamp took Preator's 3-2 pitch over the left field wall in the third inning.

Sunday, Middle Tennessee will meet Louisiana-Monroe for the second time in the tournament at 1 p.m. Probable pitcher is Preator.

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