Box Scores Game 1 | Game 2

RICHMOND, Ky. – Conference leader Eastern Illinois swept a doubleheader over the Eastern Kentucky University softball team Sunday afternoon, 3-2 and 7-1.

The visiting Panthers (27-7, 14-1 OVC) allowed just five runs in the three-game sweep. Meanwhile, EKU (21-17, 8-10) falls to 2-8 in home games this year.

In game one, the Colonels scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth to grab a 2-0 lead. Senior Ashley Dollins got EKU on the board with an RBI single through the right side. The Colonels added another run on a bases loaded walk from sophomore Melissa Costa.

EIU evened the score in the sixth thanks to a two-out, two-run single by Melise Brown. Kiley Holtz then provided the go-ahead run with a solo blast to left field in the top of the seventh.

Sophomore Kristin Perry (8-6) went the distance for EKU in the loss and allowed three earned runs on six hits.

Eastern Kentucky had two runners thrown out at home, once in the first inning and one more time in the fourth.

Freshman Hannah Driver (5-3) made her first collegiate start for EKU in the second game.

The Panthers capitalized on some EKU miscues to establish a 4-0 lead after the top of the third. Three of EIU’s first four runs were unearned.

Eastern Kentucky responded with a run in the bottom of the third following an RBI single from sophomore Raquel Howes. However, Eastern Illinois tallied two more runs in the fourth, both with two outs, to extend its lead to five runs at 6-1.

The Panthers tacked on one more run in the fifth for the final score. EKU stranded 11 base runners in the second game.

Pitcher Amber May (14-3) won all three games for Eastern Illinois. In game one of the doubleheader, she came on in relief and picked up the win. May pitched the final four innings and struck out eight EKU batters. May then pitched all seven innings in the second contest and allowed just five hits.

Eastern Kentucky continues its seven-game home swing on Wednesday, April 13 against Tennessee Tech. Game time is set for 3 p.m.