NASHVILLE— The Tennessee State University Tigers softball team (15-20-1) will be looking to return to their winning ways as they take on the MTSU Blue Raiders (27-14) in non-conference action. The Tigers are amid a slump, dropping seven out of their last eight games. This will be their first game since April 8. 
 
The two teams have played 25 games in their history, with MTSU winning 17 matchups. TSU's last win in the series was a 7-4 victory in Nashville on March 22, 2017. MTSU has won six straight games in the series. The teams have played two common opponents.

The Tigers have enjoyed four different four-game unbeaten streaks this season. They started the season sweeping the four-game River City Classic. After tying the University of Incarnate Word on the road, they traveled to Lindenwood and swept them in a three-game series. In the next game, TSU defeated the SEMO Redhawks to start the OVC at 4-0. The victory broke a 14-game losing streak to SEMO, and it was the first home win over the Redhawks since April 3, 2005. 

Sophomores Alyssia Drayton, and Caitlyn Manus, and freshman Onnika Spencer from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will be playing against their hometown team. MTSU's Claire Czajkowski, Ashlee Jacoway, Lexi Medlock, and Shelby Sargent also are Murfreesboro natives. 
 
The Matchup: MTSU Blue Raiders (27-14) at Tennessee State Tigers (15-20)
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 19| 5 p.m. (CST)
Watch Live: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/2a9acffd-9df4-4a63-8812-d2689e1828a8
Live Stats: https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/2a9acffd-9df4-4a63-8812-d2689e1828a8
Location: Tiger Field | Nashville
 
 SCOUTING THE TIGERS:

• Junior Anayah Baker-Rowell has flourished since moving to the leadoff position. She has hit safely in the past four games and six of the last seven. She is also a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen bases this season.
• Freshman catcher Onnika Spencer is the only Tiger with a batting average over .300. She leads the team in home runs (eight), RBI (24), and slugging percentage (.650).
• Laila Armstrong has reached base safely in the last seven games.
• The Tigers have turned 18 double plays this season while only committing four.

 SCOUTING MTSU:

• MTSU is hitting a blistering .298 as a team. The aggressive Blue Raiders are 76 out of 85 in stolen base attempts.
• Gretchen Mead has a 10-3 record in the circle with a stingy 2.20 ERA.
• Laurel Mealer leads four players batting over .300. Her ,425 average leads C-USA.
• Mealer and Shelby Echols have combined to steal 45 bases this season.