Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Junior DeAnn Horswill drove in the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh to complete a three-run last inning rally in Eastern Kentucky’s 5-4 game one victory over Southeast Missouri in Saturday's Ohio Valley Conference softball doubleheader. The Redhawks won the second game by a score of 6-0.

A bases loaded single up the middle by Renee Kertz staked the visitors to an early 1-0 lead in the first game. A two-out single up the middle by Raquel Howes in the bottom of the third allowed EKU to tie the game at 1-1. Two hit batters and back-to-back walks in the fourth allowed Eastern to take the lead. Sophomore Diane Gallagher drew a walk with the bases loaded to bring in the go-ahead run.

SEMO scored three runs in the top of the fifth before recording an out to go back in front. Jennifer Vasquez singled up the middle with the bases loaded to plate the first run. With the bases still packed, Marisa Sanders drew a walk to extend the lead to 4-2.

The Colonels (6-20, 1-3 OVC) staged a three-run rally in the bottom of the seventh. Jena Handley’s bases loaded single to left tied the score. After a walk kept the bases juiced, Horswill drove in the game-winner with a single to left.

After starting the game and allowing one run on five hits in two and a third innings, junior Stacye Toups gave way to a pair of relievers. She returned with EKU trailing 4-2 in the fifth. The Redhawks had already scored three times in the inning and had the bases loaded when Toups re-entered the circle with no outs. She retired three straight batters to get out of the inning. Toups (1-3) allowed one hit and struck out two over the final three innings to earn her first victory of the season.

Handley finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Horswill’s only hit of the game was the game-winner.

Game two remained scoreless until the fifth inning. With the bases loaded, Shelby Stein ripped a ground ball to second base that was misplayed. Two runners scored on the error. A fielder’s choice made it 3-0 in favor of the Redhawks (10-15, 1-3 OVC). With two outs and the bases still loaded, Vasquez doubled down the left field line to clear the bases and double the SEMO lead to 6-0.

Stein finished 1-for-3 with a run scored. Vasquez went 1-for-3 with three RBIs and a stolen base. Stefanie Barnes (6-8) tossed seven innings for SEMO, allowing four hits and striking out six. Four different players accounted for EKU’s four hits.

Weather permitting, the Colonels and Redhawks will conclude their three-game conference series on Sunday. First pitch at Gertrude Hood Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.