Box Score

TROY, Ala. – A string of three straight extra-inning games, and three straight wins to start the season came to an end on Sunday for Eastern Kentucky with a 5-4 loss to Troy on the final day of the Quality Inn Classic.  Despite the loss, EKU claimed the team championship at the classic with a 3-1 record.

Eastern's game against Ball State scheduled for Sunday was cancelled.

The Colonels jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning against the host Trojans.  After a pair of singles to start the game, Raquel Howes followed with a third straight single to plate the game’s first run.  Shannon McQueen’s ground out was enough to push across the second run.

Troy answered in its half of the first inning with three runs and never trailed again.  An RBI double and an RBI single tied the game before an EKU throwing error allowed the third run to score.  The Trojans added a run each in the fourth and fifth innings to extend their lead to 5-2.

Eastern Kentucky climbed back into the game in the top of the sixth.  The first two batters reached base before two outs were recorded.  Lauren Mitchell kept the inning going with a single that scored Howes.  Larkyn Wood followed with an RBI single to left center to get the Colonels to within one.  However, the rally ended one batter later.

EKU got the tying run on base in the top of the seventh, but a double play ended the game.

Diane Gallagher went 3-for-4 with a run scored for Eastern.  Howes had two hits in four at bats, scored once and drove in a run.  Leanna Pittsenbarger (1-1) started and allowed three runs on six hits in two innings.  Fellow freshman Shaylon Robb came on in relief and pitched four innings.  She allowed two runs on four hits.

The Colonels will compete in the Phyllis Rafter Memorial hosted by Kennesaw State University next weekend.  EKU will face Indiana at 10:30 a.m., and Georgia State at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.