Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Missouri State
Missouri State Downs Texas Tech Softball
March 11, 2006 | Softball
March 11, 2006
WICHITA, Kan. - The Texas Tech softball team dropped a 9-1 decision to Missouri State at Wilkins Stadium in Wichita, Kan., on Saturday to snap its unbeaten mark at the 2006 WSU Shocker Invitational.
With the setback, the Red Raiders' overall record this season drops to 7-17, while Missouri State impoves its mark to 13-8.
The Bears tallied the first run of the game in the top of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Leadoff hitter Sara Cole reached on a close play at first base and came around to score later in the frame on a RBI ground out by MSU third baseman Michelle Armentrout.
Missouri State pushed across runs in the third and fourth innings off Tech starter Erin Crawford as the Bears were able to build a 3-0 lead, before sophomore right fielder Whitney Riley broke the Red Raiders scoreless streak in the bottom of the fourth inning as she slammed a two-out solo home run over the wall in left center field for her first long ball of the season.
In the top of the fifth, the Bear offense came alive to plate five runs on three hits to take control of the game at 8-1. The biggest hit of the inning came on a three-run home run by designated hitter Melissa Porche.
Crawford (4-6) took the loss in the contest allowing seven runs on seven hits, despite striking out five batters.
In the top of the sixth inning, Crawford was replaced by sophomore Sarah Losleben and Missouri State was able to plate one run off the Tech reliever to extend its advantage to 9-1.
Texas Tech softball is back in action at the 2006 Shocker Invitational on Saturday afternoon when it squares off against tournament host Wichita State at 3 p.m.
