MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Eastern Kentucky University softball team fell to 11-13 on the season after being run-ruled by Middle Tennessee State, 9-1, through six innings.

The Colonels struck first in the opening inning, but Middle Tennessee took control for the remainder of the game.

EKU faced four pitchers on the day and was unable to find a rhythm at the plate, recording just two hits in the contest.

The Blue Raiders found success offensively, scoring nine runs on eight hits in 21 at-bats.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Colonels struck first in the opening inning after Reese Knox reached base on a walk. Sharyn Duncan followed with a double to right field, and a fielding error allowed Knox to score.

It didn't take long for the Blue Raiders to respond in the bottom of the first. Middle Tennessee drew a walk and followed with a single before a runner stole home to tie the game.

In the bottom of the second, the Blue Raiders added two more runs. Two walks put runners on base before a two-out RBI double brought both runners home, ending the inning with Middle Tennessee leading 3-1.

The Colonels had an opportunity to tie the game in the top of the fourth after Duncan and Jordan Smith recorded singles with one out. However, the Blue Raiders' defense responded with a double play, getting runners out at third and first to end the inning.

Middle Tennessee extended its lead later with a home run to deep left field, making it 4-1.

The Blue Raiders added on again in the bottom of the fifth. After a single, an RBI double to left-center brought in another run. With one out and a runner on third, a sacrifice fly to right field scored the second run of the inning.

Middle Tennessee delivered the final blow in the bottom of the sixth with a three-run inning to secure the 9-1 run-rule victory.

NEXT UP

The Colonels open conference play with a series against Austin Peay from March 11–12 at Gertrude Hood Field.

The Governors enter the series with a 16-9 record after falling to No. 1 Tennessee.