Story by John Morris, Staff writer
(WITH VIDEO) – The Racers ended the weekend with a sweep against the Austin Peay State Lady Gov’s and continue in their home play OVC record.
Murray State had its Senior Day game on Sunday and won 5-2, which put them at 12-0 at home in OVC play.
“Senior Day went really well,” said senior outfielder Mallory Richardson. “We went out there relaxed and ready to play.”
Richardson had one of the biggest plays of the series beating Austin Peay in game two with a walk-off home run.
“It was an exciting moment for me to help the team,” she said. “When preparing for my at bat, I just told myself to keep it simple and have fun. I just focused on the ball and waited for something I could hit to score the winning runner.”
It was big for Richardson and she continued to attribute it to the bond of the team.
“The most satisfaction I got out of my hit was first that we won the game,” Richardson said. “And second was the joy and happiness that the team had for me. Running to that home plate with the whole team there cheering me on was icing to the cake. We are a family and I believe in every single one of them just as they believe in me.”
Richardson said she thinks this is the most talented team she has been a part of. She attributes the team’s success to their trust in each other and the fact that they grow together as a team in both their wins and losses.
For the Racers, game three was fast, but they were on the scoreboard first.
Senior Alexa Becker scored first in the third inning from a single from junior Shelbey Miller.
In the fourth inning the Racers added on three more runs by sophomores Cayla Levins and Taylor Odom and also a steal by Becker at home plate.
Austin Peay scored two runs in the sixth inning which were the last scores, and the Racers took the win with their last score by Miller in the fifth inning.
Senior pitcher CheyAnne Gaskey, made her 17th win which gives her the program’s first, second and third highest single season win totals in Murray State’s history.
The Racers are a half game behind Jacksonville State and must win and hope that Jacksonville State takes a loss in order for the Racers to claim second in the OVC standings.
Tuesday the Racers played at home against the University of Memphis Tigers and split the series 1-1.
The Racers fell 5-0 in game one and came away with only three hits.
The Racers struggled to get runners home, going 0-for-10 with runners on.
The Tigers had 11 hits which is just the sixth time this season that an opponent has hit double digits on the Racers.
Game two was a change in play for the Racers. They got nine runs from nine hits and ended the game in just five innings leaving with a split score for the series 1-1.
The Racers travel to UT Martin for a three-game series to end the season in OVC regular season play.
“I feel ready for the upcoming games ahead,” Richardson said. “I know as a team we are ready to take on UT Martin and also ready for the conference tournament as it approaches.”
