Eastern softball lost their nine-game winning streak after losing to Tennessee Tech University 7-1 on Sunday.
The Panthers started slow while Tech was able to open the scoring right away by hitting a three-run home run off of senior pitcher Olivia Price and did not look back.
Eastern was able to score one run in the bottom of the first inning off of an RBI single from graduate two-way player Rachel Kaufman, but it just wasn’t enough.
Eastern head coach Tara Archibald said the loss was disappointing.
“We didn’t play our best ball today and didn’t show up ready, but tip your hat to Tennessee Tech,” Archibald said. “They did a great job making adjustments. The pitcher came out and threw a great game, kept us off balance, and we just couldn’t adjust.”
Tech scored four more runs in the second inning. Three of those runs happened when Price was still in the game. She ended up getting taken out after the third run scored.
Price finished the game with only three earned runs, two walks and her eighth loss of the season.
Sophomore pitcher Karlie McKenzie came into the game with two outs in the second inning. One run was able to score, but after that, she held Tech scoreless and recorded seven strikeouts.
Eastern had chances, but could never capitalize on them, as the bats just could not get going.
“We just got to go back and look at the film and figure out why that was catching us so off balance,” Archibald said. “Then make adjustments and come back ready to go on Wednesday.”
Eastern finished the game with only three hits. They also left six runners on base throughout the game which could have helped tie it up.
Even with the lackluster bats they were still trying to get back in the game as Archibald did not have to tell them to respond.
“I don’t think I have to tell them,” Archibald said. “I think they know that that’s the game. That’s why you play seven innings. You just have to keep throwing punches and keep responding.”
They were not able to throw enough punches, however, as the game ended their nine-game winning streak. Archibald said she did not even know they had a winning streak going.
“We’re just one game at a time, one pitch at a time,” Archibald said. “Trying to play our best ball. Couldn’t do that today, but hopefully we can bounce back Wednesday and get back on the right track.”
With the loss Eastern at 32-13 overall and 16-5 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
Eastern will look to bounce back on Wednesday as they face 23-23 Bradley University in a doubleheader in Peoria with first pitch being at 2 p.m.
Patrick Schmitz can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].
