Cougars Win Conference Series Against Motlow State 3-1

Cleveland State won three of four in their home conference series this weekend against Motlow State.

The Cougars (21-9, 9-9) pulled out a pitcher's duel in game one 2-1, beat down the Bucks 10-4 in game two, lost in extra innings 4-3 in game three and closed out the series with another double-digit offensive output winning 10-3.

Game One

The Bucks scored the game's first run in the top of the fourth when Parker Wales singled home Hannah Totaro, who reached earlier in the inning on an error.

That would be the only run allowed by the Cougars starting pitcher Kylie Hayes (10-4). Hayes pitched a complete game allowing no earned runs on six hits while striking out three and walking two.

Cleveland State scored both of their runs in the sixth inning on a Morgan Willingham homerun and on a base hit by Ava Layne that brought home Kristen Fowler.

Mary Bradley (5-7) suffered the loss pitching a complete game allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out 13 and walking one.

Game Two

Motlow State struck first again, plating the game's first four runs in the third and fourth innings. Then the Cougars pitching calmed down and shutout the Bucks bats the rest of the game.

Cleveland State scored ten runs over the final three innings. Layla Pettigrew homered driving in three and Abby Murrill went 3-4 with two triples, a double, four RBI and two runs scored. Layne doubled and drove in a run while Fowler hit in two of her own.

Kadence Brewer (8-4) went six innings earning the victory allowing four earned runs on seven hits while striking out one and walking two. Maddie O'Quinn pitched the final inning allowing one hit.

Game Three

The Bucks took the lead for the third straight game of the series scoring three in the top of the fourth. The Cougars battled back plating one in the fourth then two more in the fifth to tie the game.

Motlow State then put up another run in the extra frame and Cleveland State was unable to produce another run in the bottom half of the eighth inning.

Hayes (10-5) went down with the loss pitching all eight innings allowing ten hits and four earned runs while striking out seven and walking one.

Bradley (6-7) outdueled Hayes this time also pitching a complete game getting the victory allowing three earned runs on seven hits while striking out 12 and walking three.

Game Four

The Cougars got out on top for the first time in the series scoring two in the bottom of the first. They would add another three in the bottom of the third, and five more throughout the rest of the game proving to be too much for the Bucks bats to come back from.

Brewer (W, 9-4) pitched a complete game nine hitter allowing three earned runs while striking out four and walking no batters.

Whitney Lee hit two home runs and drove in four, Fowler and Layne each doubled driving in two and Pettigrew added another double and RBI.

Next Up

Next up for the Cougars is a home double header this Wednesday hosting conference rival Chattanooga State (21-7, 16-2). First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.