CARBONDALE, Ill. – Northern Kentucky split its first two games of the Coach B Classic on Friday, falling to No. 17 Northwestern in an abbreviated 8-0 game and shutting out Murray State 1-0 behind
Madisyn Eads' one-hitter. The Norse snapped a four-game skid, all to ranked opponents, by triumphing over the Racers and improving to 8-8.
GAME ONE: No. 17 Northwestern 8, NKU 0 (six innings)
At the Plate
- Kendyl McKeough had NKU's lone hit of the game. She reached base on a two-out single in the top of the sixth, snuffing Boyd's bid for a no-hitter.
- Sophie Margelot executed a sacrifice bunt in the top of the first inning to advance Ella LeMonier, who'd walked, to second. LeMonier was stranded after two ensuing strikeouts.
In the Circle
- Alicia Flores (2-3) gave up five runs (two earned) and five hits. She struck out four and walked one before Northwestern jumped ahead 4-0 on no outs in the fifth inning. Lauryn Hicks took over for 1.2 innings. She allowed three runs (two earned) and three hits while striking out three and walking none.
At a Glance
- Boyd stymied the Norse's offense. Although she hit two batters with pitches, Northwestern did not allow a runner to advance past second base. The Norse left four on base throughout.
- The game was 1-0, Northwestern, through 4.5 innings. The Wildcats broke open the game by scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth.
- Northwestern scored two more runs in the sixth, ensuring an 8-0 lead and a run rule that abbreviated the game.
GAME TWO: NKU 1, Murray State 0
At the Plate
- Kendyl McKeough and Megan Lenhart each had a hit for the Norse. Lenhart singled up the middle in the bottom of the third inning and McKeough doubled to right center in the bottom of the fourth.
- Ella LeMonier had a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the fifth that propelled Lenhart to second.
In the Circle
- Madisyn Eads had a tremendous game in the circle. She tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out four in seven innings to improve to 3-2.
At a Glance
- The Norse scored in the bottom of the fifth after Trinity Robertson reached on an error. Charly Koehler entered as a pinch runner and advanced to second on Sydni Barnes' sacrifice bunt. Megan Lenhart reached on an error and Koehler crossed the plate for the 1-0 lead – and eventual game-winning score.
Next Up
The Norse continue the Coach B Classic with two games Saturday. They face host team Southern Illinois at 3:30 p.m. and then play Ball State at 5:45 p.m.
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