RICHMOND, Ky. - The Eastern Kentucky University softball team improved to 23-19 on the season after sweeping a doubleheader against Morehead State on Wednesday.

Game one featured a defensive masterclass in the circle for the Colonels, who shut out the Eagles. Victoria Byrum (8-10) earned the win after allowing just three hits and striking out five batters. Tayteum Viganksy closed the game in relief, tossing two hitless innings.

At the plate, Kennedy Drafton was flawless in game one, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs, one run scored, a double and two stolen bases. Jaelin Haynes added a 2-for-4 performance with two RBIs and two runs scored. The Colonels also used their speed on the basepaths, stealing eight bases in the 6-0 victory.

In game two, Morehead State jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings. After entering in relief, Bayle Hunnicutt (8-6) held the Eagles scoreless the rest of the way.

A three-run fourth inning sparked the comeback as Reese Knox led the offense, going 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs in the 4-3 win.

GAME ONE - EKU 6, Morehead State 0

The Colonels struck quickly after a scoreless top of the first. With Knox aboard, Drafton lined a double to right-center field to bring home the game's first run and give EKU an early lead.

EKU added to its advantage in the third inning. Knox drew a walk and stole two bases to move into scoring position before Haynes delivered an RBI single. Haynes later came around to score on a wild pitch, extending the lead to 3-0.

Morehead State threatened in the top of the fifth with runners on second and third, but Drafton made a diving catch down the right-field line with two outs to end the inning.

In the bottom half of the inning, the Colonels loaded the bases on a hit batter and two walks. Sharyn Duncan then lifted a sacrifice fly to score EKU's fourth run of the game.

EKU added two more runs in the sixth. Vannessa Keller recorded her first collegiate hit with a double to left-center field, setting up an RBI single from Haynes. Drafton followed with a single up the middle to score Haynes and seal the 6-0 win.

GAME TWO - EKU 4, Morehead State 3

The Colonels loaded the bases with the first three batters of the game, but the Eagles escaped the inning with three consecutive outs.

Morehead State capitalized in the second inning, using walks, stolen bases and timely hits to take a 3-0 lead.

That would be all the offense the Eagles could manage; however, as Hunnicutt entered in relief in the third inning and shut down Morehead State the rest of the way.

EKU got on the board in the bottom of the third when Drafton lifted a sacrifice fly to trim the deficit.

The Colonels took the lead in the fourth with a three-run rally. Makayla Mathis singled to begin the inning and later scored on an RBI single by Duncan. With two runners on base, Knox delivered the decisive hit of the day, driving a two-run single up the middle to put EKU in front, 4-3.

EKU held the Eagles scoreless over the final innings to complete the comeback victory.

NEXT UP

The Colonels (23-19 10-4 ASUN) return to Gertrude Hood Field this weekend for a pivotal ASUN Conference series against Central Arkansas. With both teams tied for first place in the Gold Division, the winner of the series will move into sole possession of first place and strengthen its position heading into the ASUN Tournament.